Travel Along Bridges: 2015’s Top 10 Must-Visit Beautiful Bridges Across Taiwan

▲ Taiwan has many beautiful bridges with picturesque scenery that are worth visiting. The photo shows the Crescent Bridge in New Taipei City. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

When traveling abroad, aside from castles, museums, art galleries, and other architectural landmarks, many regions’ iconic sights are actually historic bridges—such as London’s Tower Bridge, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in the U.S., and Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia—all popular spots that tourists flock to. But did you know? Taiwan also has several uniquely beautiful bridges that are well worth a visit. This time, we’ve specially compiled a list of ten stunning bridges across Taiwan, from north to south. Next time you’re introducing Taiwan’s scenic beauty to foreign friends, be sure to take them to see these special Taiwanese bridges. Let’s go on a journey—following the bridges.

1. “Brocade Ribbon Bridge” at Dahu Park

▲ The Brocade Ribbon Bridge at Dahu Park is a landmark within the park. (Photo / Taken by Huang Shiyuan)

The “Brocade Ribbon Bridge,” which connects the two ends of Dahu, lives up to its name—as an old-fashioned ribbon tightly linking both sides of the lake. After renovations by the municipal government, the bridge has been refurbished and outfitted with guardrails and LED lights, giving the nighttime Brocade Ribbon Bridge an even more radiant glow.

Read more>>>Taipei’s Most Beautiful Dahu Park Swimming Pool Renovated: Green Architecture Blends with Landscape

2. New Taipei’s “Crescent Sightseeing Bridge”

▲ The Crescent Sightseeing Bridge connects Banqiao and Xinzhuang districts in New Taipei City. (Photo / FromMy New Taipei Cityfan page)

The Crescent Bridge consists of two arch-moon-shaped landscapes and connects Banqiao’s 435 Art & Cultural Special Zone with Xinzhuang Old Street. It is currently Taiwan’s longest dual-span steel arch bridge. In addition to featuring four scenic platforms—“Art of Curve,” “Shadow of Light,” “Reflection of Water,” and “Rhythm of Wind”—there is also a 60-meter transparent skywalk offering views over the river.

3. “Lover’s Bridge” at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

▲ Walking on the Lover’s Bridge at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is especially meaningful for a date. (Photo / Screenshot fromNew Taipei City Official Website)

The Lover’s Bridge at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf offers captivating views—from watching the sunset in the evening to admiring the changing lights at night. The area often hosts street performers singing songs, so if you happen to be there with your loved one, why not request a love song to express your feelings?

Read more>>>Valentine’s Day Emergency Kit / Confess Your Heart on a Suspension Bridge, Pour Out Your Feelings in a Rowboat
 

4. “Bitan Suspension Bridge” in Xindian

▲ The Bitan Suspension Bridge in Xindian puts on a dazzling light show. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)

Also located near a metro station, Bitan was once one of Taiwan’s Eight Scenic Spots and Twelve Beauties, and the surrounding area features many snack foods and delicacies. Especially in recent years, the Bitan Riverside Streetscape has been developed, with different themed landscapes that change with the seasons. It stays open until 11:00 PM, meeting late-night cravings. Aside from strolling across the bridge, many also sit along the riverside enjoying the illuminated views and romantic ambiance.

5. “Cat Bridge” in Houtong

▲ The interior of the Cat Bridge. The Cat Bridge is 60 meters long, with the “cat head” at the Park Vision Museum end, featuring two ears, and the “cat tail” at the Cat Village end. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)

Taiwan’s first cat-and-human shared bridge is located in Houtong. Originally a pathway connecting the Cat Village, mining areas, and the train station, the bridge has been renovated and redesigned to incorporate the character of the Cat Village, as well as local coal mining, cats, and tunnel imagery, resulting in the uniquely shaped “Cat Bridge.” Inside the bridge are cat footprints, photos, illustrations, and even platforms designed specifically for cats to walk and jump on.

6. “Sky Bridge” in Nantou

▲ The serene beauty of the Sky Bridge. (Photo / Provided by Nantou County Government)

The Sky Bridge is a new landmark that opened in 2012. With a total length of 204 meters, the bridge features 265 steps and a height difference of 5.56 meters between its two ends. It is also the longest stairway suspension bridge in the country and currently one of the most popular attractions in central Taiwan.

7. Nantou’s “Lavender Light Bridge”

▲ The glass bridge deck is a highlight of the Lavender Light Bridge. (Photo provided by Xinyi Township Office)

The main structure of the Lavender Light Bridge is 88 meters long, with a 54-meter glass section. To ease visitors’ fears and encourage them to cross, aside from some dotted patterns on the glass—barely visible and leaving only a fully transparent section for the thrilling feeling of walking on clouds—the railings are also decorated with vibrant local agricultural motifs such as grapes and tung flowers. However, for safety and maintenance reasons, no more than 15 people can be on the bridge at once, and shoe covers must be worn while crossing to prevent wear on the glass.

Read more>>>Peer 60 meters down into the valley floor – Nantou’s “Lavender Light Bridge” begins trial operation on the 25th

8. Alishan’s “Heavenly Long Bridge” and “Earthly Long Bridge”

▲ The Heavenly Long Bridge spans both sides of the Bazhang River and offers sweeping views of the landscape. (Photo fromA New Impression of AlishanFan Page)

▲ The Earthly Long Bridge. Along with the Heavenly Long Bridge, it’s a must-visit spot when traveling to Alishan. (Photo fromA New Impression of AlishanFan Page)

The Heavenly Long and Earthly Long Bridges are located in Chiayi County, serving as the gateway to Alishan. The Heavenly Long Bridge is about 136 meters long and crosses an upstream tributary of the Bazhang River. With beautiful scenery and the sound of flowing water, together with the “Earthly Long Bridge”—one higher than the other—the area before the two bridges features the Longyin Temple, which worships the highly revered Jigong (Laughing Buddha) and attracts many worshippers. The vast view combines mountains and water into a picturesque scene, making it a must-see destination on the way up the mountain.

Read more>>>Couples who walk across will enjoy enduring love – Alishan’s “Heavenly Long Bridge” reopens

9. Kaohsiung’s “Qishan Bridge” and “Landscape Bridge”

▲ Kaohsiung’s Landscape Bridge showcases streamlined beauty, while Qishan Bridge highlights structural elegance. (Photo fromKaohsiung City GovernmentWebsite)
 

▲ The use of blue linear lights and floodlights makes the Landscape Bridge a new nighttime highlight. (Photo fromKaohsiung City GovernmentWebsite)

The Landscape Bridge highlights its streamlined design through blue linear lighting on both sides, while the bridge piers are illuminated with spotlights, adding brightness and character. Meanwhile, Qishan Bridge displays the structural beauty of its steel cables and main tower at night. Together, the two bridges create a stunning nighttime landscape in Qishan.

10. Pingtung’s “Sandimen Glass Suspension Bridge”

▲ Concept image of the Sandimen Suspension Bridge. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)

Redesigned after Typhoon Morakot, the Sandimen Suspension Bridge is infused with glass bead motifs throughout its design. These include granite storytelling platforms installed at both ends of the bridge and 24 storyboards placed along the sides. Designed by Paiwan artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung, the bridge is expected to open in May next year. Once operational, visitors entering the tribe will gain a deeper appreciation of the tribal culture through these touching glass bead stories.

Read more>>>Connecting Sandimen and Majia – Pingtung’s “Bridge That Tells Stories” opens in May