Dalan Suspension Bridge (Wai'an Ancient Trail) Introduction
The Waidan Ancient Path, part of the Danlan Historic Trail South, is located between Shuangxi Bridge and Shihding Old Street in the Shihding District of New Taipei City. During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, Governor Yang Yanli opened the Danlan Ancient Path to facilitate travel between Taipei and Yilan. The trail runs eastward from the Keelung River's Nuan Nuan area, following paths along the river, crossing over Sandiao Ridge and the Caoling Mountain area, reaching the Lanyang area near Dali and Toucheng, with a total length of over 200 kilometers. With the economic development of Taiwan, particularly during the Guangxu period, the opening of Tamsui Port as a trading port boosted foreign trade in northern Taiwan. The vast mountainous area between Dan and Lan was dotted with various settlements due to tea cultivation and trade, which led tea merchants to travel back and forth. To shorten the distance between Dan and Lan and save travel time, the Danlan Ancient Path was gradually moved southward. Currently, the Shihding section belongs to the southern part of the Danlan Ancient Path, which was a key route for the early export of Dajing and Wenshan Paochong tea from Shihding. After the completion of the North-Yilan Expressway, the path was renovated, stretching approximately two kilometers from the bottom of Shihding West Street to the Danlan Suspension Bridge at Shuangxi Bridge. Along the ancient path, there are two resting areas; one is located in the middle section of the trail, featuring a pavilion where visitors can admire the beautiful mountain scenery. Further ahead is a rest area under the North-Yilan Expressway, equipped with wooden benches and tables, allowing visitors to enjoy their own tea or snacks. After resting, following the trail down under the North-Yilan Expressway will lead to the Waidan Industrial Road, where continuing forward leads to the second section of the trail. The coverage from the North-Yilan Expressway reduces the heat from sunlight on the ancient path. Ascending further leads to a viewing platform, where visitors can look down from a two-story platform at the Danlan Suspension Bridge and Shuangxi Bridge. Descending the stairs leads to the Danlan Suspension Bridge, overlooking the Shihding Valley. Crossing the suspension bridge marks the end of the Shihding section of the Danlan Ancient Path.
