Donghe Old Bridge | Taitung Attraction

Donghe Old Bridge is the remains of a Japanese colonial-era bridge spanning the Mawuku River. Now disused, a new bridge alongside it carries vehicle traffic. The intact bridge piers stand in the river valley, and the valley scenery beneath is picturesque — a local landmark in Donghe Township and close to the well-known Donghe Bao Zi (steamed bun) vendor cluster.

Highlights of Donghe Old Bridge

Donghe Old Bridge is located in Donghe Village, Donghe Township, spanning the Mawuku River. Built during the Japanese colonial period, the old bridge deck has since been dismantled, leaving only the piers standing intact in the river. The piers are constructed of concrete, with a simple form that blends with the natural environment of the valley — presenting a unique landscape where historical traces and natural scenery coexist. The Mawuku River runs clear, and the valley vegetation is lush, forming a tranquil river valley scene.

The most famous culinary landmark near Donghe Old Bridge is the "Donghe Bao Zi" vendor stalls at the bridgehead, with a history of several decades. Known for flavors such as red bean and cabbage, it is a regular stop for travelers along the East Coast Highway on Provincial Highway 11. A trail down from beside the new bridge leads to the riverbank, where the old bridge piers can be seen up close while enjoying the valley scenery.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Compare the old and new bridgesLooking down from the new bridge deck at the old bridge piers standing in the river, the juxtaposition of old and new bridges creates visual contrast — a photographic angle recording the evolution from Japanese colonial to contemporary construction.

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Riverside trail walkA trail from beside the new bridge leads down to the Mawuku River bank, where you can appreciate the old bridge piers and valley vegetation up close. The river is clear; a brief rest stop is pleasant.

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Buy Donghe Bao ZiThe Donghe Bao Zi stall is located near the bridgehead, famous for its freshly steamed buns. It is a regular resupply stop on the East Coast Highway journey. More people on weekends — arriving a little earlier is suggested.

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Valley landscape photographyThe old bridge piers, clear river, and greenery on both banks form a complete valley scene. On sunny mornings before noon, the light is ideal for overhead or low-angle shots of the full bridge and valley panorama.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time

By car: Follow Highway 11 to Donghe Village, Donghe Township. There is simple roadside parking near Donghe Bridge; walk to the bridge from there.
Public transport: From Taitung City, take an East Coast highway bus to Donghe stop, then walk to Donghe Bridge, approximately 5 minutes.
Recommended visit duration: Bridge viewing plus riverside walk, approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Continue your itinerary after a Donghe Bao Zi stop.

Nearby Connections

Heading north about 20 to 30 minutes leads to Sanxiantai or Chenggong Fishing Harbor; heading south about 30 minutes reaches Taitung City.
Donghe Old Bridge usually serves as a midway rest stop on an East Coast Highway self-driving itinerary — stock up on buns, then continue north or south along Highway 11.

Source: Public documents on Donghe Bridge and local tourism information. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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