Meishan Taiping Suspension Bridge is a scenic suspension bridge in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, at roughly 1,000 meters above sea level and 281 meters long. It was unveiled on August 20, 2017, and opened to the public on September 23, 2017. At opening it was Taiwan's longest suspension bridge, a title it lost in 2018 to the 303-meter New Xikou Bridge in Taoyuan, though it remains one of Taiwan's highest-elevation scenic suspension bridges, with clear-day views stretching to the Jianan Plain and the Taiwan Strait.
The Taiping Suspension Bridge is 281 meters long and sits at roughly 1,000 meters above sea level. It was unveiled by then-Chiayi County Magistrate Chang Hua-kuan on August 20, 2017, and officially opened to the public on September 23, 2017. It held the title of Taiwan's longest suspension bridge at opening, but lost that record when Taoyuan's 303-meter New Xikou Bridge opened in 2018; Taiping remains one of Taiwan's highest-elevation scenic suspension bridges.
Highlights of the Meishan Taiping Suspension Bridge
The Taiping Suspension Bridge spans two mountain peaks at a total length of 281 meters. Walking across it delivers the visual impact of being suspended high in the air. The deck is constructed of reinforced cables and wooden planks, with partial grating sections that allow a clear view straight down to the valley floor — adding an exhilarating edge. Rest platforms at each end offer wide-open views; on clear days you can see the expanse from the Jianan Plain all the way to the Taiwan Strait, making it one of the most panoramic viewpoints in the Chiayi mountains.
Meishan Township is known for its high-mountain teas (oolong and Jinxuan); the tea garden scenery around Taiping Village is beautiful, with tea garden trails available for leisurely walks. Taiping Old Street preserves the streetscape of an early mountain settlement, with cafés and local snack shops dotted along the way. The area around the suspension bridge is often wreathed in cloud and mist, and mountain weather can change quickly. Clear mornings are the best time to visit for maximum visibility; bring a windproof jacket.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- Taiping Village in Meishan Township is about a 1-hour drive from Chiayi city along winding mountain roads; self-driving or renting a car is the most convenient option.
- Admission fees and opening hours for the suspension bridge follow official announcements from the Chiayi County Government. Weekends draw larger crowds; weekdays or early morning visits are recommended.
Nearby Connections
- Meishan Township also encompasses the mountain settlements of Ruili and Ruifeng, each with its own character. Consider planning a half- or full-day deep-dive tour of the whole Meishan area.
- The Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) passes near Meishan, so the suspension bridge can be added to an Alishan itinerary as part of a combined Chiayi mountain route.
Source: Chiayi County Tourism Bureau and publicly available geographic data. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Taiping Suspension Bridge open?
It was unveiled on August 20, 2017, and officially opened to the public on September 23, 2017.
Is it still Taiwan's longest suspension bridge?
No — it held that title when it opened, but lost it in 2018 to Taoyuan's 303-meter New Xikou Bridge; today it's known instead for its high elevation.
How long is the bridge and how high is it?
The bridge is 281 meters long, at roughly 1,000 meters above sea level.
What can you see from the Taiping Suspension Bridge?
On clear days you can see all the way to the Jianan Plain and the Taiwan Strait, along with the surrounding tea gardens and the winding Meishan 36-bend road.
Sources
- 太平雲梯－維基百科 — 橋長、海拔、啟用日期、最長懸索橋紀錄異動
- 全台最長懸索橋！桃園復興新溪口吊橋－聯合新聞網 — 新溪口吊橋303公尺為現任全台最長懸索橋