The tunnels were originally part of the Old Mountain Line railway, which was decommissioned when a newer, more efficient coastal route was established.
The interior brickwork of the tunnels features air vents designed to dissipate smoke from steam locomotives passing through.
During the tunnel construction, no heavy machinery was used; the curved design was achieved through precise manual brick-laying techniques.
The site was once used as a shelter during regional conflicts due to the durability of its thick brick construction.
The tunnels have been reclaimed by vegetation over decades, creating a 'green tunnel' effect at the entrances.
Qidingsuidao Cultural Park, also known as the Qiding Old Tunnels, is a repurposed railway site in Zhunan Township featuring two historical red-brick tunnels from the Japanese colonial era. The tunnels, built in 1922 for the Old Mountain Line, were abandoned in the 1970s and later transformed into a pedestrian walking path. The tunnels are structurally characterized by their distinctively smooth, curved brick walls designed for ventilation and durability. The surrounding area includes an elevated wooden boardwalk that connects the two tunnels while offering views of the coastal plains. The park is surrounded by dense forest, providing natural shade along the trail. It is a site of local industrial heritage that highlights early 20th-century tunnel construction techniques in Taiwan.
The arched brick entrance of the longer tunnel when sunlight hits the curved interior walls.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to walk through during the late afternoon, as the tunnels can get quite dark.
Wear insect repellent, as the humid, forested environment attracts mosquitoes year-round.
Stick to the marked wooden boardwalks to avoid slipping on the uneven ground outside the paved sections.
Do not attempt to climb the steep, unmaintained embankments surrounding the tunnel entrances.
Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the serene environment and the local residents living nearby.
