The Tianchang and Dijiu Bridges are a pair of historic suspension bridges in Chukou, Fanlu Township, Chiayi County, spanning the Bazhang River gorge since they were built in 1937 under Japanese rule. Named for the birthdays of the Japanese emperor and empress, they have long served as a landmark gateway on the road from Chiayi to Alishan. Tianchang Bridge has been permanently closed since February 2024 due to structural deterioration, while Dijiu Bridge, closed since early 2025, is under reconstruction since February 2026 and expected to reopen in the second half of 2027.
Tianchang and Dijiu Bridges were built in 1937 (Showa 12) under Japanese rule, named respectively for Tenchosetsu (the Japanese emperor's birthday) and Chikyusetsu (the empress's birthday). Tianchang Bridge, whose tower foundations had suffered irreparable collapse, was permanently closed on February 29, 2024, and will eventually be dismantled with its towers preserved as a memorial. Dijiu Bridge has been closed since January 1, 2025; its reconstruction, budgeted at roughly NT$120 million with a construction period of about 420 calendar days, broke ground on February 26, 2026, and is expected to reopen in the second half of 2027.
Highlights of the Tianchang Dijiu Suspension Bridges
Chukou sits in Fanlu Township, Chiayi County, at the transition zone between the plains and the mountains, where the Bazhang River has carved a deep gorge. Tianchang Bridge and Dijiu Bridge are mounted side by side across the gorge; standing on the deck you look straight down at the boulders and currents of the riverbed below. The bridges' names are taken from the Chinese idiom meaning "eternal" (tiāncháng dìjiǔ). Interpretive signs at the bridgeheads explain the gorge geology and watershed ecology, and the two parallel bridges are a popular subject for symmetrical compositions.
The forest around the Chukou Recreation Area is well-preserved, with broadleaf lowland tree species and birds visible along the trails. The view from the bridges is open and expansive; on clear days the ridgelines and the gorge are layered and distinct, and after summer rains the river runs full, its sound carrying clearly. The recreation area has a parking lot and basic amenities, making it a convenient midway rest stop on the way to Alishan; roughly 30–60 minutes is enough to take in the full experience.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- By car: head east from Chiayi city along Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway) for about 30 minutes to reach the Chukou Recreation Area. Road conditions are good; there is a large parking area.
- Chiayi Bus Company runs services from Chiayi to Alishan that stop at Chukou; check the Chiayi Bus timetable to confirm the stop.
- Open year-round with no fixed admission fee. Weekend traffic is heavier; weekday or early morning visits are recommended.
Nearby Connections
- Chukou to Fenqihu is about a 1-hour drive; plan to continue to Fenqihu Old Street and the bento box experience on the same day.
- Continuing further up the mountain leads to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area; Chukou works well as the last resupply point before reaching Alishan.
Source: Chiayi County Government tourism information and the Wikipedia entry for "Chukou Tianchang Dijiu Bridges." Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can visitors still cross Tianchang and Dijiu Bridges?
No, both are currently closed. Tianchang Bridge has been permanently closed since February 2024, and Dijiu Bridge has been under reconstruction since a groundbreaking in February 2026.
When were the bridges built?
Both were built in 1937 under Japanese rule and named after the birthdays of the Japanese emperor and empress.
When is Dijiu Bridge expected to reopen?
Reconstruction began on February 26, 2026, with a roughly 420-day construction period, and reopening is expected in the second half of 2027.
What role does Chukou play along the route?
Chukou sits at the entrance to Provincial Highway 18 toward Alishan from Chiayi city, serving as an important landmark and rest stop on the way up the mountain.
Sources
- 天長地久橋 | 阿里山國家風景區 — 官方確認橋樑建於1937年、封閉狀態與命名由來
- 封閉1年多 阿里山觸口浪漫傳說「地久橋」改建開工 — 確認地久橋改建工程2026年2月26日開工、預計2027年下半年完工、天長橋將拆除保留橋塔
- 天長地久不再 新地久橋3月發包 — 補充地久橋封閉與改建背景