The Da’anxi Iron Bridge is full of charm — a historic steel truss bridge that’s a popular IG photo spot.

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled and reported
 
Once hailed as “Taiwan’s most beautiful railway branch line,” the Da’anxi Iron Bridge was built by the Japanese government to transport goods and connect the north and south. Its overall structural design combines strength and beauty, with a lower structure made of concrete block stone caissons and bridge piers constructed from brick corner stones — a rare piece of transportation craftsmanship. From a distance, it has a majestic presence, while below the bridge, stones and green grass create a scenic setting that takes on a somewhat desolate feel in autumn, making it a popular photo hotspot.

Construction on the Da’anxi Bridge began in the 36th year of the Meiji era. It is a “through arch truss” bridge (commonly known as a “flower truss” bridge), consisting of 10 spans of 62.41-meter flower trusses, totaling 637.39 meters in length. In 1998, to improve train efficiency, trains were rerouted to the “New Mountain Line,” marking the end of this most distinctive section of the TRA Western Trunk Line.

On Taiwan’s railways, there are still two other surviving flower truss steel bridges: the Dajiaxi Iron Bridge in Taichung and the Gaopingxi Old Iron Bridge in Kaohsiung. Among them, the Dajiaxi Iron Bridge, now adjacent to the Houfeng Bicycle Trail (formerly the Iron Horse Trail), allows visitors to appreciate up close the beauty of this century-old iron structure. However, the once thrilling experience of walking across it as if on the edge of an abyss has disappeared along with the railway tracks.

Additionally, nearby attractions include the Zhongshe Sightseeing Flower Market, which features gorgeous flower seas throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy the pastoral scenery and local culture of Houli while taking in the romantic ambiance of its floral displays. The park’s European-style gardens present a rich palette of colors year-round, making it a favorite location for many wedding photography businesses.
 
【Info】
Da’anxi Iron Bridge
Opening Hours: Can be visited at any time
Bridge Address: No. 52, Fuxing Road, Tai’an Village, Houli District, Taichung City

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