The Tuo Jie Qiao Wetland Education Park is located in Da-Shu District, spanning the right bank of the Kaohsiung-Sanshia River from the cable-stayed bridge to Kaohsiung-Sanshia Bridge. This 300-hectare area along the riverbank features waterside trails, riverside bike paths, natural ecological zones, park green spaces, and Coffee Square. Among these, the Tuo Jie Qiao Wetland Ecological Park occupies over 100 hectares. With vast vistas and beautiful natural scenery, this wetland education park combines Da-Shu District's unique and abundant religious, cultural, historical relics, natural ecology, water conservancy culture, and scenic beauty into an extraordinary domestic leisure and educational attraction. As the premier viewing spot along the Kaohsiung-Sanshia River, this area boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life, making it not only an ideal place for families to learn and play together but also a prime location for photography enthusiasts. The sunrise brings awakening light across the horizon, while sunset transforms the water surface with colorful reflections, resembling picturesque landscapes. Within the park lies the "Kaohsiung-Sanshia Tuo Jie Qiao," a National Cultural Heritage Site completed in 1913, which once served as a crucial rail link bridging the two regions over the Kaohsiung-Sanshia River. At that time, it was Asia's longest railway bridge and played a significant role in Taiwan's socio-economic development. Through revitalization and restoration, the bridge has been transformed into the Tuo Jie Qiao Skywalk. The Skywalk features viewing platforms providing rest area for visitors.
The Kaohsiung-Sanshia Tuo Jie Qiao originally named Xiao Fan Shui Creek Bridge, was supervised by Japanese engineer Ikeda Toyoshi, was completed in 1913 as a single-track railway bridge with a total length of 1,526 meters composed of 24 steel truss sections and granite-red brick piers. Spanning the Kaohsiung-Sanshia River like a celestial rainbow, this bridge connected transportation between the two regions, making a vital contribution to Taiwan's livelihood and economic development. After a century of service, the bridge has retired from its operational duties, but its historical, cultural, and architectural significance deserve preservation. In 2014, to commemorate the centennial of its construction, the local government specially undertook rejuvenation restoration with the principle of "not damaging any original component," transforming it into the Tuo Jie Qiao Skywalk with a length of 307 meters and width of 8 meters. Steel plates were installed into gaps between sleepers to provide walking and bike-pushing space for the public, and viewing platforms were constructed for visitor rest. Walking along the Skywalk allows close-up appreciation of the architectural beauty of the historical site as well as the sight of trains speeding by. The lush wetlands, scenic rivers, and majestic mountains at dawn and dusk display layered grandeur and vibrant landscapes. Enjoying these natural vistas and historical ambiance brings an uplifting experience to one's spirit.
The Tuo Jie Qiao Wetland Park located between the old bridge and Kaohsiung-Sanshia Bridge includes 13 man-made ponds. Utilizing aeration, sand sedimentation, and microbial water-purifying functions, it restores water quality naturally. The park refuses to use herbicides, maintaining the riverbank ecology manually, thereby cultivating favorable environments for plant growth and habitats for birds and aquatic life. Within this vibrant green area, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the natural scenery along well-designed trails and bike paths while closely observing hundreds of species of wild animals and aquatic plants. The rich natural ecosystem and serene riverside landscapes offer ideal visual and spiritual enjoyment.
Visiting the Kaohsiung-Sanshia River Weir requires written application in advance. Due to uneven rainfall distribution and increasing water usage in southern Taiwan, this weir was constructed in Da-Shu District of Kaohsiung City, located 2 kilometers upstream from the Kaohsiung-Sanshia Railway Bridge. Since its operation in 2000, it accounts for 63% of the daily water usage for the greater Kaohsiung area, serving as the most critical water source for the region. The weir spans 960 meters, featuring 674 meters of fixed weirs and 286 meters of movable rubber dams in eight sections. It also includes "fish passages" to allow migratory fish to access spawning grounds. This weir only elevates water levels without storage capacity. As Taiwan’s first locally-produced rubber dam weir, it diverts low-water-level flows and releases excess water during flood periods, greatly contributing to flood prevention and water resource collection while minimizing ecological disruption. The Water Resources Museum under the weir management office provides comprehensive图文 explanations on the sustainable use of the Kaohsiung-Sanshia River water resources. Education and informational value are particularly significant. ▶ Learn more about accommodations in Da-Shu District