Twin Dragons Waterfall shrouded in mist like a fairyland; 30-story-high “sky bridge” to be completed next year

▲ The roughly 100-meter-drop Twin Dragons Sky Bridge is expected to be completed next year. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau. No unauthorized reproduction. The same applies to the following images.)

Reported by Chen Hanyin

Situated in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, the Twin Dragons Waterfall features an approximately 100-meter drop, divided into an upper and a lower cascade. Its winding form resembles two coiled dragons, which inspired its name. The steep cliffs and elevation changes produce a misty phenomenon, where the waterfall seems to exude a spiritual energy without needing great depth. After Typhoon Morakot damaged the previous plank paths and suspension bridges, the Nantou County Government has redeveloped the site and plans to build a 345-meter sky bridge so visitors can experience the ethereal beauty of this secluded paradise.

▲ The Twin Dragons Waterfall is divided into upper and lower sections, with powerful cascades creating a misty, fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

Next to the Twin Dragons Waterfall is an existing water pipe suspension bridge, also known as the water supply bridge. Utilizing the terrain’s height, it transports water across to the Twin Dragons community. This 300-meter-long bridge, suspended between the canyon walls, has a mesh metal walkway. Though offering a thrilling view from above, it is only accessible to staff. Yan Guiyi, head of the Tourism Development Division at Nantou County Government’s Tourism Bureau, stated: “This bridge was built for maintenance personnel. Due to the lack of proper guardrails and safety nets, and out of concern for visitor safety, please do not attempt to enter.”

▲ This bridge is not open to tourists. (Photo provided by user x3681457. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

To boost local tourism and allow visitors to better admire the beauty of the Twin Dragons, authorities plan to build a new scenic bridge about 20 meters above the water pipe bridge. The approximately 345-meter-long bridge will span the vast valley leading to the upper section of the Twin Dragons Waterfall. It will feature both descending and ascending sections, enabling visitors to experience the slope changes while walking across. While not the longest bridge in Taiwan,it’s worth noting that the bridge stands 97 to 100 meters above the river valley. Calculated at around 3.5 meters per floor, that’s nearly 30 stories high — enough to make one’s legs tremble. Compared to the 45-meter drop of the Mountain Glass Bridge, this bridge will offer an even more thrilling suspended experience.

▲ The Twin Dragons Waterfall enveloped in a mysterious mist. (Photo provided by user xiaoq. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

Combined with the 1.5-kilometer Tian Shi Hiking Trail developed by Xinyi Township Office, the area will be developed into a circular sightseeing route centered around the Twin Dragons Waterfall and the local indigenous community. Visitors can cross the bridge to reach the upper fall and then stroll down via the trail to the lower fall, all while listening to the thundering water and being immersed in the fairyland surrounded by green mountains. Considering the local terrain and safety, transparent glass will not be used; instead, lightweight steel materials will be adopted. Construction began in March 2017, with completion scheduled for the second half of 2018.

▲ The future circular sightseeing route.

Driving directions:
Southbound: National Freeway 1 → Zhongqing Interchange → Zhongzhang Expressway → Provincial Highway 14 → National Freeway 3 Zhushan Interchange → Mingjian Interchange → Provincial Highway 16 → Provincial Highway 21 → Xinyi → Twin Dragons Waterfall
Northbound: National Freeway 3 → Mingjian Interchange → Provincial Highway 16 → Provincial Highway 21 → Xinyi → Twin Dragons Waterfall