After the completion of the “First Phase of the Taichung City Bat Cave Hiking Trail,” the Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau launched the second phase planning. This year, a budget of NT$15 million has been allocated to advance the “Taichung City Bat Cave Extension Trail Construction Project (Phase II),” extending the Bat Cave Hiking Trail to the existing Bat Cave Scenic Area. This will integrate with the existing road and pedestrian trail systems to form a circular ecological route, where various birds and insects can be observed along the way, offering rich ecological landscapes.
Lin Hsiao-chi, Director of the Tourism and Travel Bureau, stated that the second phase is scheduled to commence on December 13 and is expected to be completed by June 2020. To ensure public safety, the section from the iron bridge of the first phase trail to the viewing platform at the end will be closed. Warning fences will be set up and notices posted during this time. The remaining unclosed sections will remain open for normal passage, and the public is urged to follow on-site instructions.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau pointed out that the Taiping District Bat Cave Extension Trail is located between the valleys of the Toubiankeng Stream. By following Provincial Highway 136, also known as Changlong Road, and passing by the Huguo Qingliang Temple, visitors can reach the entrance. At the entrance, there is a Hundred Bats Suspension Bridge, and after crossing the bridge, one arrives at the hiking entrance of the Bat Cave Hiking Trail. Passing the viewing platform at the end of the first phase leads to the Bat Cave Extension Trail.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that the second-phase extension trail starts from the viewing platform at the end of the first phase, crosses the Panliao Stream via a rope bridge, passes through a bamboo forest, and reconnects with Provincial Highway 136 to reach the Bat Cave Scenic Area. The total length is 460 meters, forming a circular route together with the first-phase trail and existing roads, totaling 880 meters. After completing the trail, visitors can continue along Provincial Highway 136 toward Qingliang Temple to access the Caoling Hiking Trail and the Fongzailin Hiking Trail for another hiking challenge. It is highly suitable for a one-day hiking and trekking trip.
(China Times)