Old Railway Bridge Wetland Education Park (Dashe Old Railway Bridge) Introduction
The Old Iron Bridge Wetland Education Park is located in the Dashu District, spanning from the Xizhang Bridge to the Gaoping Bridge along the right bank of the Gaoping River, covering an area of 300 hectares. This riverside area features a variety of facilities, including a water-friendly walking path, riverside bike lanes, natural ecological zones, park green spaces, and a coffee plaza, with the wetland ecological park occupying over 100 hectares. The park offers a vast view and beautiful natural scenery, integrating the unique local religious, cultural, historical, and ecological elements of the Dashu District. It is a distinct leisure and educational destination in Taiwan, making it one of the best spots to enjoy the scenery along the Gaoping River. The rich biodiversity of plant and animal life makes it not only an excellent place for families to learn and play but also a fantastic location for photography enthusiasts. The waking light at sunrise and the reflections of sunset colors on the water create picturesque views. The "Gaoping Old Iron Bridge" within the park is a designated national historic site that was completed in 1913. Spanning across the Gaoping River like a rainbow, it connected the rail transport between the two regions of Gaoping, marking a significant chapter in Taiwan's economic and social development. It was once the longest iron bridge in Asia. After revitalization and restoration, it has become the Old Iron Bridge Sky Walk, providing observation platforms for visitors to rest. Originally known as the Lower Tamsui River Iron Bridge, it was supervised by the Japanese engineer Iida Toyoji and completed in 1913. The bridge measures 1,526 meters in length and consists of 24 sets of steel trusses and granite brick piers. After a century of history, the Old Iron Bridge has successfully transitioned but remains a crucial cultural and architectural symbol worth preserving. In 2014, the city government decided to revitalize the bridge without compromising any original components, thus creating a skywalk that is 307 meters long and 8 meters wide. Steel plates were added to fill the gaps between the beams, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross, while observation platforms were also constructed for tourists to rest. Ascending the skywalk offers not only a closer look at the beauty of the historic bridge and its architecture but also the sight of trains whizzing by. The lush wetlands along the Gaoping River and the stunning landscape of mountains and rivers showcase multi-layered beauty in the morning and evening light, allowing visitors to appreciate nature's beauty and experience historical charm, broadening their minds and spirits. The Old Iron Bridge Wetland Park is situated between the Old Iron Bridge and the Gaoping Bridge and features 13 artificial ponds carved out by hand. Utilizing aeration, sedimentation, and the purifying functions of microorganisms, it aims to purify the water through natural means. The wetland park strictly avoids the use of herbicides and maintains a manual ecological balance along the riverbanks of the Gaoping River, fostering a friendly environment for plant growth and habitats for birds and aquatic animals. In this vibrant green area, visitors can fully enjoy natural landscapes through well-maintained walking and biking paths, with close observation of hundreds of species of wildlife and aquatic plants. The rich natural ecology and tranquil riverside scenery provide a visual and spiritual feast. Entrance to the Gaoping River weir requires an official application. Given the uneven rainfall in southern Taiwan and the increasing water consumption, the Gaoping River weir, built within Dashu District of Kaohsiung City, is located two kilometers upstream from the Gaoping Railway Bridge. Since its operation in 2000, it supplies 63% of the daily water consumption for the Greater Kaohsiung area, making it the most critical water source for the region. The weir measures 960 meters in total length, of which 674 meters are fixed weir, and there are 8 movable rubber dams totaling 286 meters. It also includes a "fishway" for migratory fish to spawn upstream. This weir raises water levels without retaining water, utilizing the country's first self-made rubber dam to stop water during low water levels, while during high water periods, it allows the water to flow downstream, significantly contributing to flood safety and water source acquisition while minimizing ecological destruction. The weir management office also has a water resources exhibition hall, providing detailed illustrations and explanations on the sustainable use of Gaoping River water resources, making it highly educational.
