By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
Once hailed as "the most beautiful railway branch line in Taiwan," the Da'anxi Iron Bridge was used by the Japanese government at the time to transport goods and connect the north and south. Its overall structural design combines strength and beauty. The lower structure consists of concrete block stone caissons, and the bridge piers are made of brick corner stones, forming a rare piece of transportation craftsmanship. Viewed from a distance, it has a majestic presence, while the area beneath the bridge is adorned with stones and green grass, giving off a somewhat desolate feel in autumn, thus becoming a popular spot for photos and check-ins.
Taiwan's most beautiful railway branch line — the Da'anxi Iron Bridge. (Image source / Taichung Tourism Bureau)
The Da'anxi Bridge is 637.39 meters long in total. (Image source / Taichung Tourism Bureau)
Construction of 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, with a total length of 637.39 meters. In 1998, to improve travel efficiency, trains were rerouted to the "New Mountain Line," marking the end of this most distinctive section of the Taiwan Railways Western Trunk Line.
Taiwan has three such flower-truss steel bridge structures. (Image source / Taichung Tourism Bureau)
On Taiwan's railways, there are still two other bridges with this type of flower-truss steel structure: the Dajiaxi Iron Bridge in Taichung and the Gaoping River Old Iron Bridge in Kaohsiung. Among them, the Dajiaxi Iron Bridge, due to the transformation of the Houfeng Bicycle Trail into a cycling path, allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of this iron bridge that has stood for over a hundred years up close. However, the once thrilling experience of walking across it as if on the edge of an abyss has disappeared along with the railway tracks.
Zhongshe Sightseeing Flower Market has beautiful flower seas all year round. (Image source / Taichung Tourism Bureau)
Additionally, nearby attractions include the Zhongshe Sightseeing Flower Market, which boasts beautiful flower seas throughout the seasons. Strolling through the fields and flowers offers a taste of the local culture in Houli and a glimpse of the romantic ambiance of Houli’s floral industry. The European-style garden setting within the park creates a rich palette of colors all 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