Darlan Suspension Bridge (Wai'an Ancient Trail) Introduction
The Wailan Ancient Trail, part of the Southern Route of the Danlan Historic Trail, is located between Shuangxi Kou and Shihdeng Old Street in Shihding District, New Taipei City. During the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, in order to facilitate communication between Taipei and Yilan, Governor Yang Yanli established the Danlan Historic Trail, which extends over 200 kilometers from the Nuannuan area of the Keelung River, following the path along the river eastward, crossing Sanjiao Ridge and the Caoling Mountains, until it reaches the Lanyang area near Dali and Toucheng. With the economic development of Taiwan, especially during the Guangxu period when Tamsui Port opened as a trading port, the trade in northern Taiwan prospered, leading to various settlements scattered throughout the vast mountains between Tamsui and Lanyang, driven by tea cultivation and commerce. To shorten the distance and save travel time between Tamsui and Lanyang, the Danlan Historic Trail was continuously extended to the south. The Shihding section currently belongs to the southern part of the Danlan Historic Trail and was an important route for the export of Dajing and Wenshan Baozhong tea in Shihding. After the completion of the Beiyi Expressway, this section has been renovated, stretching approximately two kilometers from the western end of Shihding Street to the Danlan Suspension Bridge at Shuangxi Kou. Along the ancient trail, there are two rest areas: one at the midpoint with a pavilion for visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountain views, and another further along, a platform beneath the Beiyi Expressway equipped with wooden benches and tables, where visitors can enjoy their own tea or snacks. After resting, following the trail down from the Beiyi High Road leads to the Wailan industrial road, continuing forward connects to the second segment of the trail. The coverage provided by the Beiyi Highway reduces the heat from direct sunlight along the ancient trail. Walking up leads to a viewing platform where visitors can overlook the Danlan Suspension Bridge and Shuangxi Kou from two stories high. Descending the stairs leads to the Danlan Suspension Bridge, offering a view of the Shihding Creek Valley; crossing the suspension bridge marks the endpoint of the Shihding section of the Danlan Historic Trail.
