The tunnel's name, 'Gong Wei Xu,' translates to 'Merit Reaches the Far,' an inscription made by Gentaro Kodama.
It is the longest tunnel in Miaoli City that has been repurposed for public pedestrian access.
The structure was built to bypass the steep gradients of the previous railway line in central Taiwan.
The LED light show inside the tunnel typically shifts through a programmed color cycle to enhance the subterranean atmosphere.
The tunnel remains naturally cool due to its thick masonry construction and location within a hillside.
It served as a vital transportation link for over 90 years before the railway tracks were realigned.
The Gong Wei Xu Tunnel is a 460-meter-long former railway tunnel converted into a pedestrian path located in Miaoli City. Originally constructed in 1902 during the Japanese colonial era, it served the Old Mountain Line. The tunnel features a decorative brick entrance designed by the fifth civil governor-general of Taiwan, Gentaro Kodama, who inscribed the characters 'Gong Wei Xu' above the portal. Following the opening of a new railway route in 1998, the tunnel was decommissioned and later repurposed as a recreational trail. The interior is equipped with LED light installations that illuminate the passage with changing colors. The walking path connects to the Maolanshan Park trail system. Visitors can observe the preservation of historical brick masonry and structural engineering techniques from the early 20th century.
The brick-arched entrance of the tunnel, especially when captured from the outdoor path leading up to it.
Bring a portable light source or phone flashlight for darker sections if the automated LEDs are dim.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as the tunnel floor can be damp.
Carry mosquito repellent, as the surrounding wooded areas are prone to insects during warmer months.
Avoid visiting during heavy rainfall, as the tunnel floor may become slippery or experience minor water seepage.
Maintain a quiet volume as the tunnel acoustics amplify sound; refrain from touching the historic brick walls.
