史料原文/譯文Crossing over Dahan River, Xikou Suspension Bridge sits on the upstream of Shimen Resevoir and connects Jiaoban Mountain and Xikou Village. Impressive in both height and size, it allows the villagers to reach to the outer world.
In the old days, the Suspension Bridge is one-kilometer walk into Jiaoban Mt. Park. The wooden planks on the bridge are so narrowed that only 15 passers-by can pass rubbing shoulders at once. The original was built with iron wire during the Japanese colonial era west to the current one, with only the pedestal left. After the Nationalists took over Taiwan, steel was applied following discoveries of better materials and engineering methods. The steel body became tarnished over time, thus the local district office built the New Xikou Suspension Bridge on site. Completed in 2016 with rebar wire that weights 12.5 tons, it became the longest stressed ribbon bridge in Taiwan, and a safer commuting route for villagers.
Today only the remains of the iron-wired bridge and the old steel bridge tower are left, showing the design of the bridge and a way of life in the old days as it continues its function.