The Old Kao-Ping River Iron Bridge Transforms into an Elevated Walkway, Offering Unobstructed Views of the Kao-Ping River Wetlands

▲ The Old Kao-Ping River Iron Bridge Officially Opens as an Elevated Walkway. (Photo / Courtesy of the Kaohsiung City Government Website)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The century-old Kao-Ping River Iron Bridge, once a major transportation route connecting Kaohsiung and Pingtung, has been transformed into an elevated walkway and officially opened to the public, becoming a new highlight of the Old Iron Bridge Wetland Park. Descendants of the bridge’s builder, Iida Toyoshi, joined local citizens in walking across the bridge to experience the 120-hectare wetland ecosystem from above.

Iida Shinichi, descendant of the bridge’s builder Iida Toyoshi, stated that the iron bridge was completed in 1913. He expressed regret that his grandfather, Iida Toyoshi, passed away before its completion but was glad to be invited to attend the centennial commemoration event. Loh Wei-ping, director of the Department of Urban Development, noted that the revitalization of the old iron bridge aims to ensure the sustainable preservation of this historic structure. Following the completion of the renewal project, the city government will continue to collaborate with the Taiwan Railways Administration and work with various local volunteer associations to maintain and manage the site, further highlighting Kaohsiung’s rich cultural and historical landscape.

Lin Li-hui, chairman of the Old Iron Bridge Association and an invited commentator on wetland ecology, mentioned that volunteers have long been dedicated to maintaining the Old Iron Bridge Wetland Park. The transformation of the old iron bridge into a skywalk combines heritage with natural ecology, enhancing its appeal as a sightseeing and guided tour destination.