Unbeatable Ocean View Cycling Path on the North Coast
Located in Fulong, the Old Caoling Tunnel was originally a railway tunnel crossing between Gongliao in New Taipei and Toucheng in Yilan during the Japanese colonial period. It was decommissioned after the opening of the New Caoling Tunnel in 1985. In 2008, it was repurposed and reopened as Northern Taiwan's first cycling tunnel. Currently, it's a designated historical site in Yilan County and one of Taiwan's historical architectural landmarks. Furthermore, it has transformed the Gongliao section of Provincial Highway No. 2 into a circular cycling route. Alongside the tunnel, the route includes attractions such as Sandiaojiao, Jidong Park, and Mao'ao Fishing Village, making it an excellent path for relaxed sightseeing.
Tourist guide for Northeast Coast available at the Fulong Station exit!
Fulong Old Caoling Circular Bike Path
Route Plan: Fulong Station → Old Caoling Tunnel → Jidong Park → Sandiaojiao Lighthouse → Mao'ao Fishing Harbor → Fulong Station
Route Details: Approximately 20km, flat terrain, open only from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Difficulty Level: ⭐
Riding Time: 1-2 hours
The starting point of the route is from Fulong Station. It's recommended for cycling enthusiasts in the northern region to take the train. You can enjoy the ocean view from the train window, which adds a unique flavor to the journey. What's most convenient is that you don't need to bring your own bicycle. After getting off at Fulong Station, there are several bike rental shops available for tourists. The 20-kilometer journey isn't too long, so you can assess your own stamina and decide whether to rent an electric bike.
Fulong offers both a beach and a cycling path, making it a great destination for family trips.
Once you've rented your bike, make sure to buy water and food from the nearby 7-Eleven. There won't be any convenience stores along the way! If you're cycling in the summer, remember to apply sunscreen. Most of the route doesn't have much shade, so be prepared and set off from the pathway next to the station!
The pathway next to Fulong Station, where you can see trains passing by.
After a short stretch on the pathway, you'll come across the old railway tracks. From this point on, only bicycles are allowed, and most visitors ride in a single direction. You can ride through the tunnel with confidence and enjoy the tranquility of this two-kilometer tunnel.
The repurposed Old Caoling Tunnel, with a level crossing and a segment of train tracks preserved as memorabilia.
The entrance of the Old Caoling Tunnel, like stepping into another magical world.
Every time you enter the tunnel, there's a feeling of entering the world of "Spirited Away." The magical charm makes you want to experience it immediately. The Old Caoling Tunnel takes us from New Taipei City to Yilan County, and the New Caoling Tunnel is right next to it. When the train passes by, you can clearly hear the sound of the train!
The boundary between New Taipei City and Yilan, passing through a city via the tunnel.
After exiting the tunnel, the deep blue sea immediately comes into view. There's also an observation deck ahead where you can gaze at Turtle Island. On your right, you can see the railway tracks. Train enthusiasts can take close-up photos of passing trains. There are also vendors selling stone jelly and sausages here. Public restrooms are available for use. It's a great spot to take a break and take photos.
Exiting the tunnel reveals the expansive sea. Remember to go up to the observation deck for great photos!
After a short rest, it's time to proceed along the coastal route! The entrance to the cycling path is located on the slope beside the tunnel exit. The slope is a bit steep, so you might need to walk the bike for safety. From here, you can fully enjoy the endless sea view. There are also many scenic spots along the way where you can stop and take photos. Let's continue!
The Old Caoling Circular Bike Path, offering stunning mountain and sea views.
The Coastal Highway of Provincial Highway No. 2 offers towering mountains on the left and a picturesque sea on the right. Cycling in such a place is truly enjoyable. Although there's a cycling path, be cautious as there are often large trucks passing by. Safety first!
The Lailai Geology Area and observation deck, showcasing various coastal erosion phenomena.
Shortly after starting, you'll come across signs for the Lailai Geology Area. This is the most developed area for coastal erosion platforms on the Northeast Coast. Due to the Pacific Warm Current passing by, it's suitable for the growth of algae and marine organisms, fostering a thriving fish ecology. This attracts fishing enthusiasts to gather here. You can stop at the observation deck to appreciate the expansive coastal erosion platforms, the monocline, and the pebble beach.
Lailai Geology Area, coastal erosion platforms and pebble beach.
Before reaching the easternmost point, if the weather is clear, you can see Turtle Island clearly to the right. Each observation deck provides information about Turtle Island. Let's get to know this adorable island that looks like a turtle!
The early part of the circular bike path offers a great view of Turtle Island.
After passing the Lailai Observation Deck, you'll come to the Sijiao Cave Observation Deck after about 1km. This is also a great spot to rest, take photos, and snap a check-in shot. The main design is a large heart shape with white pebbles, featuring intricate double-heart cutouts. The grassy field in front faces the sea, making it romantic when the sunlight shines down. It has also become a popular spot for wedding photos recently!
A must-visit spot - Sijiao Cave Observation Deck.
Not far from Sijiao Cave, you'll arrive at Taiwan's easternmost point - Jidong Park. The famous Sandiaojiao is also located here. Since you're already here, it's a good idea to head up to the Sandiaojiao Lighthouse to explore! The Sandiaojiao Lighthouse has a long history. In 2010, the Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration transformed the long-unused lighthouse warehouse into a church-style building with a circular arch and stained glass, creating a European-style church-like structure. Although the interior is not open to the public, taking photos outside is highly satisfying!
Taiwan's Easternmost Point - Jidong Park
The Sandiaojiao Lighthouse with its European architectural style is worth visiting whether you're cycling or not.
To reach the Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, you can take the stairs or ride up a steep 800-meter slope. Since you've already come here on a bike, why not challenge yourself and try riding up! But don't push yourself too hard. Even the author was huffing and puffing while riding a road bike up. The stairs are located across from Jidong Park's exit. If you plan to park and walk up, make sure to take proper anti-theft measures. The road to the lighthouse is a short distance forward from Jidong Park. Pay attention to the signs. After reaching the lighthouse, seeing the beautiful European-style architecture makes the effort worthwhile!
Entrance of the Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, accessible by stairs or a pathway.
After an 800-meter steep descent, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a high point.
For cyclists riding up, be sure to watch out for oncoming vehicles when going downhill. If you can't ride down, make sure to walk the bike. Safety first! After descending, you can head to the next attraction. Along the way, there are actually many scenic cafes. If you have time, why not stop by for a cup of coffee and take a break?
Enjoying coffee and the sea on the leisurely North Coast.
Shortly after passing Magang, you'll notice a road leading to Mao'ao Fishing Port. Here, make sure to head down to the fishing port. Not only can you experience the charm of a fishing village, but you can also stop and savor some delicious fishing village specialties.
Enjoy authentic local cuisine at Mao'ao Fishing Village.
After passing Mao'ao Fishing Port, you have about 5 kilometers left. Although there aren't any specific attractions, riding along a route that offers scenic views of mountains and sea is never boring, right? This final 5-kilometer stretch has a bicycle self-service station and a police station, where riders can use the restroom and refill their water. So, enjoy this last section.
A 20-kilometer journey full of memorable moments.
As you reach the endpoint, you'll also see the starting point, Fulong Train Station. This circular bike path is truly one of the most popular cycling routes on the North Coast. On weekends, you'll often see crowds of visitors cycling here. Along with the famous Fulong Bento and stone jelly, it's tempting to return and explore again. For those who haven't been here yet, give it a try!
Ending the journey with a delicious Fulong Bento.
With such beautiful scenery along the North Coast, I'm sure riders were stopping to take photos along the way! While riding fast, you might only have a few seconds to snap a photo before continuing. If you could instantly detach the smartphone that's attached to your handlebars for navigation, you'd save a lot of time. Introducing Bone Collection's exclusive patent Tie Connect 2! The binding system that allows for quick and easy detachment of your phone while cycling. The phone binding mount is also compatible with Garmin bike computers, making it effortless for riders to switch tools. Besides cycling, it's also handy for hiking and running!
Bone Collection's exclusive patent Tie Connect 2, riding with you for an enjoyable experience.