Written/Li Xinyi, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, compiled and reported
The “2012 Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Season,” during its third and fourth days (November 3 and 4) which coincided with a consecutive weekend holiday, saw fine weather drawing in crowds of hikers, with visitor numbers hitting a record high for a holiday period. The site was filled with families visiting the historic trail, and shuttle buses from Fulong Visitor Center to Yuwangkeng Entrance were running one after another starting from 8:00 a.m., while trains of all classes between Fulong and Taipei were also fully booked.
This year, the Caoling Historic Trail attracted a large number of silvergrass viewers, setting a new single-day record of 10,000 visitors. (Photo provided by Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration)
The “Recalling Autumn Silvergrass – 2012 Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Season,” the most popular and highly attended autumn event along the Northeast Coast, runs for 11 days until November 11. To alleviate the crowd, the organizing body, the Northeast Coast & Yilan National Scenic Area Administration, will extend the shuttle bus service between “Fulong Visitor Center” and “Yuwangkeng Water Park” on November 10 and 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, as it gets dark around 5:00 p.m. along the Caoling Historic Trail, it is advised not to enter the trail after 2:00 p.m. Moreover, due to the concentration of returning visitors, it is recommended to purchase return tickets in advance to save time. If you are physically able, you may consider walking directly to Yuwangkeng Entrance, which takes about 40 minutes from Gongliao or Fulong.
Yuwangkeng is bustling with visitors. (Photo provided by Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration)
This year’s “2012 Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Season” specially incorporates the concept of “retro” elements. Starting from Fulong Visitor Center, visitors are guided up the mountain by an “emperor” dressed in yellow robes, and the trail is decorated with installation artworks made from local materials such as bamboo. Along the way, puzzle collection spots feature depictions of ancient trail bandits, presenting a rustic ambiance. The ruins of an old inn continue to offer a “waiter tea-serving service,” where staff dressed as inn waiters serve freshly brewed ginger tea to visitors. The silvergrass-covered mountain paths create a serene white autumn scene that captivates many visitors. Photography enthusiasts even arrive early in the morning to capture the grass in various lighting. Other activities include “rubbing and dough figurine DIY workshops,” “enjoying peace porridge at Dali Tian Gong Temple,” “free rides on the Lingjiushan special shuttle bus up the mountain to view silvergrass and receive gifts,” “Northeast Coast friendly health gifts,” and “Huashan Foundation second-hand charity market.” For details, please visit the official website: events.necoast-nsa.gov.tw/flower12.
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