Stroll through Taoyuan’s Longtan to Discover Historic Charm: Explore Datian Red Bridge and the Old Street for a Glimpse of Century-Old Heritage

▲ Datian Red Bridge was once voted one of Taiwan’s Top 100 Historical Buildings (Photo/Netizen)swehayPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Reported by Peng Huaiyu / Comprehensive Report

Located in Longtan District, Taoyuan, Datian Red Bridge is famed for its picturesque scenery of “a red bridge, flowing water, and anglers.” Built in the 12th year of the Taisho era (1923), it once served as the main access road for Datian Village and was once voted one of Taiwan’s Top 100 Historical Buildings. Constructed with red bricks and tiles, its five arches span the Datiekeng Stream. Despite the passage of time, it has stood firmly for 94 years, exuding a strong historical aura and making it a particularly photogenic spot.

▲ The red bridge is built with a mix of stones and cement to prevent erosion by the stream and also serves soil and water conservation purposes (Photo/Netizen)lin.chi.323Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

The banks of the red bridge’s river channel are constructed with a mixture of stones and cement to prevent stream erosion and aid in soil and water conservation. Enjoying the gentle flow of the Datiekeng Stream is a truly relaxing experience. On the parkside riverside walkway at the other end of the old bridge, blooming cherry blossoms add a touch of romantic poetry, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

▲ Sitting on the red bridge and admiring the gentle flow of the Datiekeng Stream is a delightful experience (Photo/Netizen)________janice________Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Taoyuan’s Longtan is a well-known Hakka village. A short walk away, you can reach Datian Old Street, which may not be as famous as Sankeng Old Street but offers a more tranquil atmosphere. At the entrance, there’s an old-style laundry facility marked with a plaque that reads “wash when clean,” evoking memories of the days when clothes were washed by hand. The Yuewan Workshop on the old street features walls painted with Hakka tung blossom designs, attracting visitors to stop and take photos. The narrow alleyways of Datian Old Street are characteristic of Hakka villages, with remnants of several historic houses tucked among the winding lanes. The classic red-brick buildings, full of antique charm, will eventually fade with time, leaving a sense of wistfulness.

Datian Red Bridge
Address: Inside Lane 55, Shimen Road, Longtan District, Taoyuan City (at the border between Daping Village and Sankeng Village, Longtan Township)
Recommended cycling route: Sankengzi Old Street → Sankeng Bicycle Path → Sankeng Riverside Park → Datian Village → Datian Red Bridge (total distance approximately one kilometer)