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The Old Caoling Tunnel spans between Fulong in New Taipei and Shicheng in Yilan. It was a key engineering feat of the Taiwan Railways Administration’s Yilan Line. When it opened in 1924, it was the longest railway tunnel in Southeast Asia, stretching 2,167 meters and bearing the heavy responsibility of connecting Taipei and Yilan. On the north and south portals of the Old Caoling Tunnel are the inscriptions “Where White Clouds Fly” and “Taming Nature’s Peril,” commemorating the arduous construction of the era. After the Taiwan Railways underwent double-tracking and electrification, the Old Caoling Tunnel was decommissioned, only to reopen in 2008 as a bicycle path. The folk song “Diu-Diu-Dong” was inspired by the experience of a train passing through the Old Caoling Tunnel: “The train arrives at Yi-du, ah-ma-yi-du-diu, ai-yo, inside the tunnel…” This classic Taiwanese folk song captures the scene of a train journey through the tunnel. Designed with the concept of a “railway museum,” the tunnel’s bike path mimics railway tracks, evoking the imagery of a railway line. The lighting fixtures use vintage-style oil-lamp shades. Cycling through the Old Caoling Tunnel, accompanied by the sound effects of a passing train, feels like riding through a cool, nostalgic railway tunnel—both retro and fun. As the first railway tunnel in northern Taiwan converted into a bike path, the circular bike route now allows pedestrians and cyclists on weekdays, while cyclists only on weekends. The Old Caoling Tunnel is part of this circular bike route. Starting from Fulong Station, after passing through the tunnel, riders are greeted by the stunning Pacific Ocean view and Guishan Island. Continuing along the coast, passing by the Lailai Geopark, Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, and Maoao Fishing Village, the route circles back to Fulong, covering approximately 20 kilometers. It is the top choice for cycling enthusiasts exploring the Northeast Coast.