Danlan Suspension Bridge (Wai'an Ancient Trail) Introduction
Wai'an Ancient Path, part of the Dahan Ancient Path South, is located between Shuangxi River and Shihding Old Street in Shihding District, New Taipei City. During the Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing period, in order to facilitate travel between Taipei and Yilan, Governor Yang Yanli opened the Dahan Ancient Path. This path stretches eastwards from the Nuan Nuan area along the Keelung River, crossing over Sandiao Ridge and Caoling Mountain area, reaching the Lanyang area around Dali and Toucheng, with a total length of over two hundred kilometers. With the economic development of Taiwan, especially during the Guangxu period, the opening of Tamsui Port as a trading port spurred the prosperity of foreign trade in Northern Taiwan. The vast mountainous areas between Tamsui and Lanyang are dotted with settlements of various sizes, where tea merchants traveled to buy and sell tea products. To shorten the distance between Tamsui and Lanyang and save travel time, the Dahan Ancient Path has been continuously pushed southward. The Shihding section currently belongs to the southern part of the Dahan Ancient Path and was a main route for the early exports of Dajing and Wenshan Pouchong tea from Shihding. After the completion of the North-Yilan Highway, the path has been renovated, stretching approximately two kilometers from the end of Shihding West Street to the Dahan Suspension Bridge at Shuangxi River. Along the ancient path, there are two rest areas; one located in the middle of the journey features a pavilion that allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Further ahead is a resting area beneath the North-Yilan Highway, equipped with wooden benches and tables where visitors can enjoy their own tea or snacks. After resting, following the trail will lead to Wai'an Industrial Road, where continuing forward will connect to the second section of the trail. The ancient path is sheltered by the North-Yilan Highway, which reduces the intense heat from the sun. Continuing upward leads to a viewing platform, where visitors can gaze down at Dahan Suspension Bridge and Shuangxi River. Descending the stairs brings one to the Dahan Suspension Bridge, offering a view of the Shihding River Valley, and crossing the bridge marks the end of the Dahan Ancient Path Shihding section.
