Shiqiuling Tunnel, Historical railway tunnel in Keelung, Taiwan.
Shiqiuling Tunnel is a historic railway passage that cuts through the mountains east of Keelung, with massive carved stone portals at both entrances. The roughly 400-meter passage still displays its original arched stone roof and carefully dressed walls constructed entirely by hand.
Built in 1890 during the Qing Dynasty, it was part of the first railroad line connecting Taipei and Keelung. This construction demonstrated how local workers applied hand tools and engineering knowledge to create modern infrastructure.
This passage once symbolized progress and technological advancement for the island. Today it remains a physical link between communities, showing how engineering shaped the way people moved through the landscape.
The tunnel is accessible by bus from Keelung Station, with the journey taking roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Inside, it is cool and dark, so visitors should bring a flashlight or use their phone's light to see the details.
Several workers died during construction from collapsing stones and unexpected water breaches in the rock. Local residents still recall these losses in their stories, reminding visitors of the human cost behind this early engineering achievement.
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