The Beauty of Time-Worn Charm: 3 Romantic "Historic Bridges" from Taiwan’s Japanese Colonial Era

▲ The classic Taihei Red Bridge has a history of 94 years. (Photo provided by netizen zax9250135. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Reported by Chen Hanyin / Compiled by HowToTrip

During Japan’s colonial rule, Taiwan entered a new chapter in architectural history, leaving behind many iconic transportation structures. Due to the island’s steep terrain and numerous fast-flowing rivers, bridges were essential to connect different regions, giving rise to many beautiful historic bridges. Below are three charming old bridges that are well worth a day trip to explore and appreciate.

Taoyuan — Taihei Red Bridge
Address: No. 53, Shimen Rd., Longtan District, Taoyuan City

▲ The historic bridge stands quietly over the stream, bearing witness to the passage of time. (Photo provided by netizen spark._jian. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The Taihei Red Bridge connects Sankengzi and Taihe Li, and is a well-known historic site from the Japanese colonial period. Built in the 12th year of the Taisho era (1923), it was constructed with red bricks. Over the decades, the bridge has borne countless footsteps, and its weathered bricks tell stories of history, allowing later generations to witness the beauty of time passing while the scenery remains unchanged.

Hsinchu — Dong’an Ancient Bridge
Address: Zhongshan East Rd., Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County (about 100 meters from the intersection of Zhongshan East Rd.)

▲ Hsinchu’s Dong’an Ancient Bridge is as romantic as a setting in Europe. (Photo provided by netizen __sara.c__. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Located in Hsinchu, Dong’an Ancient Bridge is the most historically significant ancient stone bridge remaining in Guanxi. Spanning the Niulanshui River, this old-style circular arch bridge was built in the 8th year of the Showa era during the Japanese colonial period (1933 AD) and has been preserved for over 80 years. The exquisitely crafted five-arch stone bridge complements the riverside scenery beautifully, and it has now become a precious cultural heritage site.

▲ The movie *Our Times* was also filmed here. (Photo provided by netizen bruce_hsu1999. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Nantou — Glutinous Rice Bridge
Address: Guoxing Rd., Guoxing Township, Nantou County

▲ Glutinous Rice Bridge was built using glutinous rice, brown sugar, and lime instead of cement. (Photo provided by netizen woo_alan. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The Glutinous Rice Bridge in Guoxing Township, Nantou, began construction in the 15th year of the Showa era during the Japanese colonial period (1940). It is a four-arch stone bridge. At the time of its construction, during World War II, the colonial government faced material shortages and could only use glutinous rice, brown sugar, and lime as substitutes for cement. This is also the origin of the name “Glutinous Rice Bridge.” The resilient wisdom of ancestral construction techniques has allowed the bridge to stand firm to this day, becoming a Grade 3 historic monument bridge.

▲ Taking photos on the historic bridge feels very retro. (Photo provided by netizen som824655. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ Glutinous Rice Bridge is the only Grade 3 historic monument bridge in Taiwan. (Photo provided by netizen huang0301. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)