Danlan Suspension Bridge (Wai'an Ancient Trail) Introduction
The Wai'an Ancient Path, part of the southern section of the Dahan Ancient Road, is located between Shuangxi Kou and the old street of Shiding District in New Taipei City. During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, in order to facilitate the travel between Taipei and Yilan, Governor Yang Yanli opened the Dahan Ancient Road. It extends over 200 kilometers from the warm area of the Keelung River, following the small path along the river eastward, crossing over Sandiao Ridge and the Caoling Mountain area, reaching the Lanyang region near Dali and Toucheng. With the economic development of Taiwan, particularly during the Guangxu period when Tamsui Harbor was opened as a trading port, this spurred the prosperity of external trade in northern Taiwan. The vast mountainous area between Tamsui and Lanyang is dotted with various settlements due to tea cultivation and trade, as tea merchants traveled between them. To shorten the distance and save transit time between Tamsui and Lanyang, the Dahan Ancient Road was continuously moved southward. Currently, the Shiding section is regarded as the southern part of the Dahan Ancient Road and served as a crucial route for the early export of Dajing and Wenshan Pouchong tea from Shiding. After the completion of the North-Yilan Expressway, it was renovated, stretching about two kilometers from the bottom of Shiding West Street to the Dahan Suspension Bridge at Shuangxi Kou. There are two resting areas along the ancient path. One is in the middle section, featuring a pavilion where visitors can admire the beautiful mountain scenery. Further ahead is a platform resting area beneath the North-Yilan Expressway, equipped with wooden benches and tables, where visitors can enjoy their own tea or snacks. After resting, following the trail beneath the expressway will lead to the Wai'an Industrial Road, continuing forward will connect to the second section of the trail. The ancient path is shielded from the sun by the North-Yilan Expressway, reducing the heat from direct sunlight. Walking upwards leads to a viewing platform, where visitors can overlook the Dahan Suspension Bridge and Shuangxi Kou from a two-story high observation deck. Descending along the stairs takes you to the Dahan Suspension Bridge, overlooking the Shiding Valley, and crossing the bridge marks the endpoint of the Shiding section of the Dahan Ancient Road.
