The 'Hu Zi Bei' (Tiger Tablet) was carved by General Liu Mingchuan to suppress evil spirits and calm the strong winds typical of the mountain pass.
The trail's silvergrass fields attract large crowds annually during the late autumn blooming season.
The path served as the primary administrative and military communication route during the Qing Dynasty's colonization of eastern Taiwan.
The 'Xiong Zhen Man Yan' inscription commemorates the bravery of travelers navigating the dangerous, wild terrain of the 19th century.
The transition from the Gongliao side to the Dali side marks a distinct climate shift between the rain-prone Taipei basin and the windward Yilan coast.
Caoling Historic Trail is a 8.5-kilometer Qing Dynasty-era path connecting Yuanwangkeng in Gongliao to Dali in Yilan. It is the best-preserved segment of the historical Tamsui-Kavalan Northern Route used for trade and transit between northern and eastern Taiwan. The trail reaches an elevation of 350 meters, featuring a high-altitude ridgeline covered in silvergrass. Visitors pass two notable stone inscriptions carved into rock faces, known as the 'Xiong Zhen Man Yan' and 'Hu Zi Bei' tablets, which date back to 1867 and 1868. The route traverses diverse terrain including riverbeds, lush forests, and exposed coastal hillsides. It provides direct views of Guishan Island and the Pacific Ocean from the summit ridge. The path transitions from stone stairs in wooded sections to paved and dirt tracks through open grassland. It serves as a connector between the rural landscapes of New Taipei City and the coastal beauty of Yilan County.
The ridge at the summit of the pass, which offers a panoramic vista of the Pacific Ocean and Guishan Island.
Bring trekking poles to navigate the extensive stone staircases, which can be slippery even in dry weather.
Carry at least two liters of water, as there are no shops or refill stations once you begin the ascent.
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as the ridgeline section is completely exposed to direct sunlight.
Attempting the hike during or immediately after heavy rain due to the high risk of slipping on wet mossy stone steps.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; pack out all trash as there are no bins on the trail.
