The Shuanglong (Twin Dragon) Rainbow Suspension Bridge (雙龍七彩吊橋) is a testament to both engineering prowess and natural splendor. Located in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, in central Taiwan, the Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge is the most exquisite, extensive, and elevated suspension bridge in Taiwan. Built parallel to the older bridge, this captivating suspension bridge plunges 110 meters (360 feet) into the depth, reflecting the stature of a towering 30-story building.
Spanning 342 meters (1,122 feet), this marvel of architecture changes color every 50 meters, providing a breathtaking spectacle that can be traversed in about 15 minutes. Visitors feel as if they are walking on a beautiful rainbow in the air.
Please watch the following video for more interesting images of the Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge in Taiwan.
History of the Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge
The suspension bridge construction project was initiated in 2016 and approved by a tribal council later that year. It was aimed at reviving tribal tourism and connecting the three tribal settlements in the area after the devastating Typhoon Morakot split the waterfall into two parts 10 years earlier.
With funding of NT$60 million (US$2 million) from the Nantou County Government, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, and Xinyi Township Office, the construction project was completed in early 2020. It was originally scheduled to open on April 1, but due to the epidemic, it was delayed until June 20.
The characteristics of the Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge
The Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge runs parallel to the existing Shuanglong Suspension Bridge (雙龍水源吊橋), which is for drinking water pipes only and is not accessible to visitors.
Designed to resemble a grand staircase, the 342-meter-long suspension bridge features a cascade of 420 steps, each adorned with colors that change every 50 meters. From a distance, the bridge resembles a vibrant seven-color rainbow gracefully suspended amidst the valley’s expanse, captivating all who behold its mesmerizing spectacle.
In homage to the rich cultural heritage of the local Bunun tribe, the Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge seamlessly integrates traditional elements. Its surface is adorned with seven vibrant colors. Furthermore, the iconic white railing features intricate depictions of the black hundred-pace snake totem, a revered symbol within Bunun legends. According to folklore, rainbows serve as conduits to ancestral spirits, while the hundred-pace snake (Deinagkistrodon acutus 百步蛇) was transformed from a Bunun child.
In September 2022, the bridge stood out from 47 participating projects in Taiwan’s 23rd National Architecture Gold Medal Public Construction Quality Award Competition, winning the first prize in the Public Construction Quality Award.
The Shuanglong Waterfalls
Because the Shuanglong Waterfalls are located in the Shuanglong tribe, which is called Ishingan (依希岸) in the Bunun language, they are called Ishingan Waterfalls (依希岸瀑布).
Cascading into the two waterfalls, the water rushes tumultuously down the steep cliffs, making the waterfalls like “Double Dragon Spewing Pearls,” an awe-inspiring vista that captivates all who see it.
In addition, the popularity of the award-winning Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge has effectively linked the tourism of neighboring townships, making Xinyi Township the tourism capital of Nantou County. Moreover, it has also helped promote the development of agricultural and fishery industries along the routes, such as plums, grapes, vegetables, mushrooms, aiyu and fish.
In conclusion, as the most beautiful, longest, deepest, and most thrilling scenic suspension bridge in Taiwan, the Shuanglong Waterfall Bridge stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration.
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