Autumn Winds, Silvergrass Dreams!
The 2025 Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Festival Makes a Romantic Return This November!
Hey, nature lovers and history buffs! Get ready to swap those pumpkin spice lattes for some epic autumn adventure because the 2025 Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Festival is making its grand return this November! Imagine: rolling hills covered in shimmering, silver-white plumes, dancing in the crisp fall breeze. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey through time and breathtaking landscapes, all packed into an unforgettable 8.5-kilometer trek. Mark your calendars for November 1st to November 30th, because you won’t want to miss this!
Historic Trail, Centries-Old Footsteps
The Caoling Historic Trail, part of the Northern Tamsui-Yilan Historic Trail, is an 8.5-kilometer gem connecting New Taipei’s Yuanwangkeng with Yilan’s Dali. Back in the day, this was *the* route for early settlers traveling between Taipei and Yilan. This trail is brimming with rich history and stunning natural beauty, boasting relics like the “Xiong Zhen Man Yan Stele” and the “Tiger Character Stele,” both erected in 1867 by Qing Dynasty General Liu Ming-deng. These weathered stones aren’t just cool photo ops; they’re silent storytellers, whispering tales of the grit and resilience of those who blazed this trail centuries ago, adding a profound historical depth to the dreamy silvergrass fields.
Every autumn, as the northeast monsoon sweeps through the valleys, the silvergrass blankets the mountains like shimmering silver snow, creating a spectacular sea of silver plumes. The Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Festival, which started way back in 2002, is now celebrating its 24th year! This year’s event not only continues its classic traditions but also introduces a special “Four Seasons Themed Journey.” From autumn hot spring escapes and poetic winter excursions to spring ecological explorations and summer harvest experiences, we’re inviting you to start with the Silvergrass Festival and explore the natural ecosystems and cultural charm of the entire Northeast Coast, experiencing its beauty through every season.
Six Stellar Event Highlights!
Silvergrass Market & Chill Zone
Located along the corridor of the Dali Visitor Center, this special market is your go-to spot for refueling and grabbing unique souvenirs. We’ve got local crafts, yummy treats, and all the Northeast Coast goodies you can imagine!
🕙 During the Silvergrass Festival, every Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hands-On Workshops
Get your craft on! Combining sustainability with creativity, we’re offering workshops at the Dali Visitor Center (Auditorium) where you can make things like upcycled sea glass nightlights and silk-screened story tea pillows. Local artisans will guide you through these unique experiences, showcasing the artistic side of the Silvergrass Festival.
🕙 During the Silvergrass Festival, every Friday and Holiday, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
📒 Primarily online registration, with some spots reserved for on-site sign-ups. First come, first served!
Recreate the ‘Tiger Character Stele’ (Rubbing Experience)
At the Dali Visitor Center, try your hand at traditional stone rubbing! Experience the historical scene of General Liu Ming-deng using silvergrass as a brush to inscribe characters, and take home your very own “Tiger Character Stele” as a blessing.
🕙 During the Silvergrass Festival, every Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📒 On-site registration, limited to 4 groups per session (sessions at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM)
Silvergrass-Themed Photo Ops
No need to trek the whole trail to get that perfect Insta shot! We’ve set up awesome silvergrass-themed photo spots at Fulong Visitor Center, Dali Visitor Center, and Yuanwangkeng Waterfront Park. Snap some memories and show off your fall adventures!
🕙 During the Silvergrass Festival, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Expert Guided Tours
Dive deep into the stories behind the trail and the silvergrass with our expert guides at the Dali Visitor Center. They’ll unravel the fascinating history and cultural significance, turning your hike into an enriching cultural journey.
🕙 During the Silvergrass Festival, every Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dali Tiangong Temple Peace Porridge
Feeling peckish on your hike? Make a pit stop at Caoling Qingyun Temple (Dali Tiangong Temple)! They’re serving up FREE warm, comforting “Peace Porridge” and snacks. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to replenish your energy and feel the double dose of warmth from both the historic trail and the temple.
🕙 During the Silvergrass Festival, every Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Every Step a Scene, Serene Autumn Beauty
Hiking the Caoling Historic Trail isn’t just about admiring the endless silvergrass; it’s a deep dive into history and nature. This 8.5-kilometer path connects natural wonders with ancient relics, so every step is a new view, and every spot tells a story. Here are some must-see highlights to explore on your journey!
Yuanwangkeng Waterfront Park
Yuanwangkeng Waterfront Park is your gorgeous gateway to the Caoling Historic Trail! With its crystal-clear streams and charming terraced fields dotted with vibrant flowers, it’s a fantastic choice for family eco-tours.
The Xiong Zhen Man Yan Stele
Perched halfway up the historic trail, you’ll find the “Xiong Zhen Man Yan Stele.” This massive stone was erected by General Liu Ming-deng in 1867 to ward off mountain mists. Its bold inscription is a historical masterpiece, with an ancient poem praising it: “Majestic stars pierce the sky, Dragons embrace the heart of the mountains, Barbaric mists swirl like dragons drinking rain, Smoke billows like tigers swallowing the wind.” Definitely one of the most iconic historical relics on the Caoling Historic Trail!
Yako Pass (The Saddle)
The Yako Pass is where two mountains meet, and let me tell you, it’s constantly buffeted by strong winds all year round! That’s why you’ll find endless fields of short silvergrass here. Take a breather at the pavilion and soak in the epic panoramic views of Guishan Island and the ocean. Total photo op heaven!
Dali Tiangong Temple (Qingyun Temple)
Known as “Lanyang’s premier scenic spot and a spiritual fortress,” the Dali Tiangong Temple (also called Qingyun Temple) is nestled right off the Yilan Coastal Highway. It’s truly a sight to behold! Backed by the lush green Caoling Mountain and facing the vast, blue Pacific Ocean, with Guishan Island floating majestically in the distance. The setting is serene, the views are stunning, and the temple’s intricate, exquisite architecture is just grand and magnificent – truly extraordinary.
Taoyuan Valley
If the Caoling Historic Trail is all about history and stories, then the extended Taoyuan Valley is pure, unadulterated natural grandeur. This expansive grassland, once known as “Kunzai Mountain” (Cow-Tying Mountain), boasts the continuous mountain ranges of the Xueshan Mountains, unfurling into a sprawling 3-kilometer green carpet at a gentle 30-degree slope. Standing at the 554.7-meter summit, you get a mind-blowing 360-degree panoramic view of Guishan Island, the Pacific, and endless mountains. Especially in fall and winter, the strong northeast winds whip through the white-backed silvergrass, creating a breathtaking, pastoral symphony of mountains and sea!
Getting There: Easy Ways to Embrace the Autumn Silvergrass
Choose the best way to get there
and kick off your Caoling Historic Trail silvergrass adventure!
Starting from Fulong:
-
Walk it off: About a 56-minute, 4.1-kilometer walk from Fulong Train Station. Great warm-up if you’re feeling ambitious!
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Bus: Catch routes like 791 or the Happy Bus near the new Fulong 7-Eleven on Provincial Highway 2. You’ll still have about a 1.6-kilometer (24-minute) walk to the entrance.
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Pro Tip: Silvergrass Shuttle/Package! The easiest way to go! Head straight to Fulong Visitor Center for the dedicated NT$60 Silvergrass Shuttle or grab the NT$329 package (includes transportation) and the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Gold Fulong Line will take you right there.
Starting from Dali:
This is the chill route! Just a 10-minute walk from Dali Train Station, and you’re at the Caoling Historic Trail Dali entrance. Simple as that!
This deep autumn on the Caoling Historic Trail,
is where silvergrass meets history,
and nature waltzes with culture.
This November, join OhBear (the cutest Taiwan tourism mascot!)
and immerse yourself in a sea of autumn silvergrass,
collecting timeless memories and experiencing the Northeast Coast’s most poetic season.
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