Baling Bridge_Baling Great Bridge_Baling Old Bridge Introduction
In the vast and lush forest, the Balin Bridge is a light pink ribbon that spans both ends of the Dahan River, bringing surprise to travelers on their way to the hometown of peaches. Ranked among the three famous bridges of the Northern Cross-Island Highway (the other two being the Luofu Bridge and the Dahan Bridge), the Balin Bridge was completed in 2005 and is an important landmark that must be visited in the Balin area. The bridge is 220 meters long, with a maximum span of 185 meters, making it the crown jewel of bridges along the Dahan River. Compared to the old Balin Bridge, which can only accommodate one-way traffic and is only 4.5 meters wide, the Balin Bridge is much more efficient for transportation; it has a total width of 11.5 meters, with a 7.5-meter wide two-way lane and a 1.5-meter wide pedestrian lane, alleviating traffic during weekends for those traveling to Lala Mountain and Jiao Ban Mountain. The winding curves of the Dahan River exude a majestic atmosphere, and walking on the bridge allows one to appreciate the remarkable architectural craftsmanship. Below the Balin Bridge, one can see the magnificent convergence of the Yufeng Creek and the Sanguang Creek; standing on the viewing platform next to the bridge offers a stunning view of the old and new double bridges framed by the verdant valley, making the drive here worthwhile. In Balin, there is more than just the enjoyment of natural beauty; at both ends of the old bridge, there are hand-dug tunnels, which are no longer used for road traffic, showcasing Atayal indigenous paintings, traditional costumes, and agricultural products, allowing visitors to understand the local culture. Next to the exit of Tunnel No. 1 stands the "Balin Memorial Pillar" (Balin was formerly known as Balin), commemorating the old Balin Bridge, which was built during the Japanese occupation as the Balin Iron Wire Bridge. For those who love challenges, an adventure trip can be thrilling: switch to bungee jumping gear and leap from the 43-meter-high old Balin Bridge, screaming in exhilaration while enjoying the excitement of extreme sports.
