Old Zhangyuan Bridge Recreation Area Introduction
Changyuan, formerly known as Guailu, is a village located at the northernmost tip of the coastline in Taitung County. During the period of colonial rule in Taiwan, it was an important production area for camphor. In order to develop the camphor resources in eastern Taiwan, the first Changyuan Bridge was built in 1937 across the Guailu Creek. It has a stone appearance with three arched piers, showcasing the natural charm of simplicity. Later, in conjunction with the widening of the East Coast Road, a new bridge was built above the Changyuan Bridge in 1986. In 1998, a third bridge was constructed to align with the Eastern Coastal Highway (Taiwan Route 11), resulting in three bridges standing side by side over the Guailu Creek. This unique arrangement not only symbolizes the development history of the East Coast Highway but also reflects three different periods of bridge construction, showcasing various aesthetic viewpoints and engineering techniques of their times. The old Changyuan Bridge has been recognized as a cultural asset of historic architecture due to its invaluable significance. Below the old Changyuan Bridge is the main inlet of the Changbin Irrigation Canal, which is also part of the Jiumudi Creek watershed, featuring numerous shaded old camphor trees. The creek is adorned with various large boulders and includes fish ladders designed specifically for fish migration. Along the creek, visitors can observe a wide variety of amphibian ecosystems, while majestic peaks rise to form a naturally picturesque canyon. At the end of the canyon stand two towering mountains, creating a breathtaking scene, with waterfalls cascading down between the peaks, resembling spring water, clear and sweet in quality.
