The Qiding Coast preserves the twin tunnel relics of the original longitudinal railway, abandoned after the line was rerouted during the Japanese colonial era. The two tunnel bores sit side by side, piercing through a hill and now open to pedestrians. Combined with a coastal trail offering views of Taiwan Strait reef formations and sunsets, this is a compound coastal attraction on Miaoli's west coast that holds both the cultural value of a railway heritage site and the appeal of natural scenery.
Highlights of Zhunan Qiding Coast
The Qiding twin tunnels were built during the Japanese colonial period as part of the original longitudinal railway route. When the line was upgraded and rerouted, the old section was decommissioned and the old tunnels were preserved. The name "twin tunnels" (zi-mu tunnels, meaning mother-and-child tunnels) comes from the two bores of different sizes placed side by side — the larger bore (the "mother" tunnel) is wider than the smaller one (the "child" tunnel). Both tunnels are built of brick and stone, with well-preserved arched entrances; walking through them conveys the spatial scale of century-old railway engineering.
The tunnels open onto the Qiding coastline, where exposed reef formations make marine erosion features clearly visible. The coastal trail extends southward, facing the Taiwan Strait in the direction of sunset; on clear days you can photograph the sun descending toward the horizon. Exercise caution on the reef-rock section of the coast — do not venture down onto the rocks carelessly; viewing from the trail is sufficient. The late afternoon light angle is ideal for composing shots that combine the framed view through the tunnel entrance with the coastal sunset colors.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Take a taxi from Zhunan Train Station to Qiding Village, or drive from Zhunan town center northward toward Qiding. There is parking space near the trailhead.
- The coastal trail and tunnels are open at all hours, but there is no lighting at night. Leave promptly after sunset to avoid navigating the reef-adjacent path in the dark.
- Waves are stronger during northeast monsoon season; check the Central Weather Bureau's wave forecast before planning a reef-coast visit.
Nearby Connections
- The Zhunan Snake Kiln (about 10 minutes by car) pairs well with Qiding Coast for a Zhunan half-day itinerary — ceramics heritage in the morning, coastal sunset in the afternoon.
- Heading south, you can connect to the Houlong Haowang Cape Observation Deck, extending the trip into a Miaoli west coast sunset-viewing route.
Sources: Cultural property records for the Qiding Twin Tunnels from the Ministry of Culture; tourism information from the Miaoli County Government. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.