Balin Bridge_Balin Grand Bridge_Balin Old Bridge Introduction
In the vast and lush mountain forest, the Baling Bridge is a light pink ribbon crossing the two ends of the Dahan River, bringing excitement to travelers heading to the homeland of peaches. Listed among the three famous bridges of the Northern Cross-Island Highway (the other two being the Luofu Bridge and the Dahan Bridge), the Baling Bridge was completed in 2005 and is a must-visit landmark in the Baling area. This steel bridge spans a total length of 220 meters, with a maximum span of 185 meters, making it the crown jewel among the bridges along the Dahan River. In contrast to the old Baling Bridge, which only accommodates one-way traffic with a width of just 4.5 meters, the Baling Bridge offers greater traffic efficiency; it has a total width of 11.5 meters, with a two-way lane width of 7.5 meters and a pedestrian lane width of 1.5 meters, helping to alleviate the heavy traffic to and from Lala Mountain and Jiao Ban Mountain on weekends. The flowing and winding Dahan River showcases a magnificent momentum, and walking on the bridge allows one to appreciate the amazing architectural craftsmanship. Below the Baling Bridge, one can see the stunning confluence of Yufeng River and Sanguang River. Standing on the observation deck beside the bridge, one can enjoy the picturesque view of the new and old bridges framed by the emerald green valley, making the drive here worthwhile. Visiting Baling offers more than just the enjoyment of natural beauty; at both ends of the old bridge, there are tunnels dug by hand, no longer used for traffic, where displays of Atayal indigenous paintings, traditional clothing, and agricultural specialty products provide insight into local culture. Next to the exit of Tunnel No. 1 stands the "Baling Memorial Pillar" (Baling was formerly known as Balong), commemorating the completion of the Balong Wire Bridge, the predecessor of the old Baling Bridge, built during the Japanese colonial period. For those who love to challenge themselves, an adventure awaits: don the bungee jumping gear and take a leap from the 43-meter high old Baling Bridge, screaming in thrill while enjoying the excitement of extreme sports.
