Places of interest #3 in Tongling Village

Gaoping River Cable-Stayed Bridge

4.5 · 451 reviews
An impressive industrial and structural landmark.
Gaoping River Cable-Stayed Bridge, Formosa Fwy, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840
Interesting facts
1

The bridge was specifically designed to be an iconic gateway marking the border between the Kaohsiung and Pingtung administrative regions.

2

The A-shaped main pylon uses a unique structural geometry to distribute the weight of the deck across the asymmetrical spans.

3

It is a key feature of the Formosa Freeway (National Highway No. 3), which is Taiwan's longest north-south expressway.

4

The bridge's lighting system is designed to emphasize its cable-stayed architecture during nighttime hours.

5

It is built over the largest river in southern Taiwan, which is prone to significant seasonal discharge variations.

Overview

The Gaoping River Cable-Stayed Bridge is a landmark civil engineering structure spanning the Gaoping River, connecting Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County on the Formosa Freeway. As one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Taiwan, it features an asymmetrical design with a single A-shaped pylon reaching 183.5 meters in height. The main span stretches 330 meters, supported by high-tension cables that create a distinct geometric silhouette. The bridge serves as a primary transit artery while functioning as a visual anchor for the surrounding river landscape. It is constructed to withstand significant wind loads and seismic activity common to the southern Taiwan region.

Photo spot

The riverbank park areas along the Gaoping River, specifically on the Pingtung side for an unobstructed view of the A-frame.

Insider tips

View the structure from the riverbanks below rather than from the freeway itself for better perspective.

Check the local weather for clear visibility, as the bridge's height makes it prone to low-hanging mist during the monsoon season.

Bring a telephoto lens if planning to photograph the pylon details from the riverfront.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to pull over or stop on the shoulder of the freeway to view the bridge, as this is strictly prohibited and dangerous.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Late afternoon during the dry season for golden hour lighting and clear sky visibility.
Address
Gaoping River Cable-Stayed Bridge, Formosa Fwy, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840
22.764, 120.454
Get directions
Details
Structural TypeAsymmetrical Cable-Stayed
Pylon Height183.5 meters

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon during the dry season for golden hour lighting and clear sky visibility..

The riverbank park areas along the Gaoping River, specifically on the Pingtung side for an unobstructed view of the A-frame.

Close by you'll find Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum - Main Hall, E-DA Theme Park.

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