The Taiping Suspension Bridge, also known as Taiping Sky Bridge (太平雲梯), was the highest and longest bridge in Taiwan when it was completed in 2017. Located in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, in southern Taiwan, this suspension bridge is 281 meters (922 feet) long, 2.1 meters (6.9 feet) wide, and 1,000 meters (3,282 feet) above sea level.
The Taiping 36 bends highway leads to the Taiping Suspension Bridge
As this alpine suspension bridge strides across the valley between Taipingshan (Taiping Mountain) and Guishan (Turtle Mountain), visitors should go through County Highway 162 before visiting this picturesque suspension bridge.
For more interesting photos, please watch the following video about the Taiping Suspension Bridge.
This unique highway winds unremittingly for 13 km, with 36 sharp bends that climb from 50 meters (164 feet) to 1,000 meters (3,282 feet) above sea level. These striking turns are commonly referred to as “the Meishan 36 Bends (梅山36彎)” or “the 36 Hairpin Bends (36個髮夾彎)” because they look like hairpins from above.
County Highway 162 is the only highway between Meishan and Taiping. It was constructed during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945) and is the oldest mountain road in Chiayi. It is said that nearly 40,000 people participated in this construction project with bare hands.
History of the Taiping Suspension Bridge
Planned in 1996, the Taiping Suspension Bridge Project was initiated by Yan Qingya (嚴清雅), a retired military officer-turned-village chief with a deep passion for his hometown.
With his tireless negotiation and coordination, the suspension bridge construction officially started on June 6, 2014, and was completed on August 20, 2017. The total budget for the suspension bridge and other related establishments was NT$225 million (US$75 million), and residents donated part of the land.
Additionally, nearly 1,000 colorful LED lamps were installed on the suspension bridge in October 2019 to boost tourism. Nonetheless, the plan to install LED lambs on the bridge was confronted with protests from local environmental protection groups.
They insisted that the lighting would impact the ecosystem around the suspension bridge. After some negotiations, a consensus was reached that the total number of lights are lit up for only 30 minutes per night to minimize the impact on the ecology.
The beauty of the Taiping Suspension Bridge
The Taiping Suspension Bridge is a famous alpine scenic bridge. Besides the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, visitors can also take in the magnificent views of the sunset, a sea of clouds, and the famous Meishan 36 Bends from the suspension bridge. When weather permits, visitors can see beautiful views of the Chianan Plain, the seashore of Budai, and the Taiwan Strait in the distance.
In the early autumn and winter mornings, visitors can likely enjoy the breathtaking view of the suspension bridge shrouded by clouds and mist. At night, visitors can also appreciate the suspension bridge’s light shows featuring rainbow colors, one color per day. The light shows are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day. The fascinating night view of the suspension bridge is called the “Smile Curve” when the lights are on in the evening because it looks like a lovely colorful curve.
Escape slides of the Taiping Suspension Bridge
Upon arriving at the square near the entrance of the suspension bridge, visitors’ attention tends to be attracted by an open-air stainless steel slide on the right-hand side. People may think it is an amusing slide for kids, but it is actually an emergency evacuation slide.
Another emergency evacuation slide is installed at the suspension bridge exit. It differs from the one at the entrance, as it is longer and steeper and has a cover along the slide. Besides, it is partially above the stairs leading to the flat ground.
The King Kong Rhino at the Taiping Suspension Bridge
Since ancient times, the rhino has been regarded as a symbol of strength and good luck. At the Taiping Suspension Bridge, eight steel sculptural installations of rhinos are scattered in various locations. These metal sculptures are artworks created by famous Taiwanese artist Shih li-Jen (施力仁), exhibited in Italy, Hong Kong, China, etc.
The King Kong Rhino is the most striking sculpture near the suspension bridge. It measures 8.88 meters (29.1 feet) in length, 4.58 meters (15 feet) in height, and weighs about 3 tons (6,000 pounds). The King Kong Rhino lifts its head toward the sky, and its huge upward-pointing horn is like an arrow shooting to the heavens, symbolizing an optimistic and affirmative attitude toward life.
These striking rhino sculptures were supposed to be exhibited at this famous bridge until earlier this year. Still, it has been extended by six months due to visitor popularity. Undoubtedly, the exhibition of these eight art installations has added an artistic touch to the suspension bridge.
