The original bridge was designed to withstand the rugged terrain of the Old Mountain Line railway.
The 1935 Shinchiku-Taichu earthquake caused the bridge's main arches to collapse, rendering it permanently unusable.
The bridge's construction used a unique 'layering' method of red bricks that required expert craftsmanship at the time.
The structure is often called the 'Taiwanese version of the Roman aqueduct' due to its iconic appearance.
Steel trusses from the original bridge were salvaged and repurposed elsewhere after the 1935 quake.
The site remains one of the most prominent examples of Japanese-era civil engineering in Taiwan.
A new steel bridge was constructed nearby in the 1930s to replace the damaged brick structure.
The Remains of Longteng Bridge, locally known as the 'Fish-Teng Ping Bridge,' are the ruins of a brick-arch railway bridge constructed in 1906 during the Japanese colonial period. The structure originally featured a sophisticated brick-laying technique that utilized no steel or reinforced concrete, relying entirely on cement and red bricks. Two major earthquakes in 1935 and 1999 destroyed the bridge, leaving only the central piers standing. The site is a designated cultural heritage landmark in Miaoli County. The ruins are surrounded by dense vegetation, highlighting the tension between historical engineering and natural reclamation. A newer, elevated railway line built after the 1935 earthquake runs parallel to the original ruins, illustrating the progression of Taiwanese railway infrastructure. The site functions as an open-air museum where visitors walk around the base of the weathered, moss-covered piers.
The elevated vantage point from the trail looking toward the main, tallest standing brick arches.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven, gravel-heavy terrain around the ruins.
Visit the secondary set of ruins further along the walking path for a less crowded perspective.
Carry sun protection, as the site has limited shaded areas at the base of the structures.
Do not wander into the active railway tracks nearby, which are strictly off-limits to pedestrians.
Do not climb or attempt to scale the brick piers as the structures are fragile and protected.
