Old Caoling Tunnel

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Old Caoling Tunnel

Tunnel

A 2.17 km cycleway built inside an abandoned Yilan line railway tunnel in Gongliao District, New Taipei. Travelers come for the long, sheltered bike ride and the dramatic tunnel experience on the northeast coast.

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Old Caoling Tunnel essentials

Address: Gongliao, New Taipei City, Northern Taiwan, Taiwan

The Old Caoling Tunnel was originally a single-track railway tunnel on the Yilan line, inaugurated in February 1924. When a newer parallel railway tunnel opened in 1986 the old tunnel was abandoned and later converted into a bike path by the Northeast Coast and Yilan National Scenic Area Administration.

Reopened as a cycleway on 10 August 2009, the tunnel stretches about 2.167 km and retains some railway character while being adapted for cyclists and pedestrians. Inside you will find a track-style path, fluorescent strip lighting and a few low-energy bulbs set in replica lantern fixtures, and artworks at the entrance.

Visiting feels like a long, sheltered run through coastal hills rather than a short attraction: the interior is mostly flat and continuous, making it suitable for cyclists and walkers who want a shaded ride away from roads.

  • Long tunnel interior: Ride or walk the continuous 2.167 km tunnel for the unusual sensation of a long, enclosed coastal cycleway.
  • Lighting and track-style path: The path is laid out in a track style and lit with fluorescent strips plus replica lantern bulbs, creating a distinctive, low-key atmosphere.
  • Entrance artworks: Murals and artworks at the tunnel entrances mark the converted railway heritage and make good photo spots.
  • Portal views: Both ends open onto coastal hills and roads, offering a contrast between the shaded tunnel and bright seaside landscapes.
  • Link to coastal routes and Fulong: The tunnel sits on the northeast coastal cycle network and is a short ride or bus/taxi from Fulong Beach and nearby coastal trails.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Old Caoling Tunnel#

The tunnel is pleasant most of the year, but the northeast coast has a distinct rainy and typhoon-prone season.

Winter (best)
November - February · 13°C - 22°C (55°F - 72°F)
Cooler, drier periods make cycling comfortable and conditions are often clearer than in summer.
Spring (good)
March - May · 15°C - 26°C (59°F - 79°F)
Mild temperatures and generally favorable weather make this a pleasant time for a ride, with occasional showers.
Rainy and typhoon season (avoid if possible)
June - October · 21°C - 31°C (70°F - 88°F)
This period brings heavier rainfall and occasional typhoons, especially in late summer and early autumn, and trails may be wet or disrupted.

Weather & Climate near Old Caoling Tunnel#

Climate

Old Caoling Tunnel's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3270 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 52 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 13° - 17° 15° 245 mm overcast 82% 5.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.6h
February Acceptable 13° - 18° 15° 265 mm overcast 83% 5.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 11.2h
March Acceptable 15° - 20° 17° 245 mm overcast 82% 4.3 m/s 1.0 high 11.9h
April Good 18° - 23° 21° 192 mm overcast 83% 3.4 m/s 1.3 high 12.6h
May Good 21° - 26° 23° 273 mm overcast 85% 3.2 m/s 1.6 very high 13.3h
June Good 23° - 29° 26° 277 mm overcast 87% 4.0 m/s 1.9 very high 13.6h
July Good 25° - 31° 32° 188 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.4h
August Very Good 25° - 30° 31° 259 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
September Very Good 23° - 28° 26° 394 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.5 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Good 21° - 25° 23° 395 mm overcast 81% 3.3 m/s 1.2 high 11.4h
November Good 18° - 22° 20° 289 mm overcast 82% 5.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.8h
December Acceptable 15° - 19° 17° 248 mm overcast 80% 6.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Old Caoling Tunnel#

Nearest railway access is Fulong Station on the Taiwan Railway Administration Yilan line; the tunnel is reachable by local bus from Fulong Station or by a short taxi or cycle ride.

Fly into Taipei and continue by train or bus to Fulong Station; Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Songshan both serve international and domestic arrivals, with onward public transport and trains into the New Taipei area.

Tips for Visiting Old Caoling Tunnel#

  • The tunnel is long and enclosed - even though it is lit, bring a small light and wear visible clothing for safety.
  • Surfaces can be damp or slippery after rain, so take care and allow for reduced traction.
  • Combine a visit with nearby Fulong Beach and other northeast-coast sights to make a half-day outing.
  • Check opening days and any local advisories before you go, especially in heavy-rain or typhoon season.