Text / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network
The century-old Datree Old Iron Bridge will be revitalized this year and transformed into the first “skywalk” that allows the public to get close to and learn about a national historic site. As a national second-class historic monument, the Gaoping Old Iron Bridge was constructed in 1913 (Taisho 2nd year), spanning the Gaoping River. It stretches from Pingtung City in the east to Daxue District in Kaohsiung City in the west, located between Liukuaicuo Station and Jioujutang Station. The bridge is 1,526 meters long, 8 meters wide, has 24 piers, and a single-track rail. At the time, it was the longest bridge in Asia and the only bridge in Taiwan listed as a national historic site.
Schematic diagram of the landscape walkway after the revitalization of the Datree Old Iron Bridge (Image source / Kaohsiung City Urban Development Bureau)
Lu Yuan-Hua, convener of the community empowerment program for Datree, said, “The ‘Shihmenxi Iron Bridge,’ completed in 1913, was known as the ‘longest bridge in the East’ during the Japanese colonial period. After being decommissioned in 1992, it has endured multiple floods and storms, resulting in the current broken bridge scenery. Its long-term closure has made it inaccessible, which is truly regrettable.”
The Urban Development Bureau stated that securing the revitalization of the old iron bridge was no easy feat. The renovation of a national historic monument faces stringent engineering restrictions. Minister Shih Kuo-long of the Ministry of Culture personally led a team of authoritative heritage conservation scholars to conduct an on-site inspection. After multiple reviews, the revitalization and reuse plan was finally approved last November. The project also successfully secured a NT$20 million engineering subsidy from the Ministry of the Interior’s Construction and Planning Agency, with construction beginning in mid-January this year.
Schematic diagram of the improvement works on the revitalized Datree Old Iron Bridge (Image source / Kaohsiung City Urban Development Bureau)
The newly restored old iron bridge not only repairs the bridgeheads but also adds a 307-meter skywalk. Interpretive signs will be installed to showcase the bridge’s valuable historical legacy. It will be transformed into Kaohsiung’s first aerial railway scenic walkway. In the future, visitors will be able to stroll along the old iron bridge, admire the vast 120-hectare expanse of the Gaoping River Wetlands from above, and experience the unique sensation of express trains speeding past nearby.
Schematic diagram of the bridge deck platform after the revitalization of the Datree Old Iron Bridge. (Image source / Kaohsiung City Urban Development Bureau)
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the old iron bridge’s opening. The revitalization of the old iron bridge combines heritage with natural ecology, which will enhance its appeal as a tourist attraction,” said Wen Zhuoqi, chairman of the Old Iron Bridge Association, who has long been involved in the maintenance of the Datree Wetlands Park, expressing strong support and optimism.
Lu Weiping, director of the Urban Development Bureau, said, “The reuse of the old iron bridge is aimed at the sustainable preservation of the historic site. After the revitalization project is completed, the city government will continue to work with the Taiwan Railways Administration and collaborate with local volunteer associations to jointly maintain and manage the area, making Kaohsiung’s beautiful cultural and historical landscape even more noteworthy.”
“The scenery is sure to be beautiful. I definitely want to go up and walk on it when it’s done.” Many members of the public are already looking forward to the revamped old iron bridge.