The Gangkou Suspension Bridge, which is a must-pass to reach the Jialeshui Scenic Area in Manzhou Township, has been continuously closed due to safety issues and was further damaged by Typhoon Koinu; the county government plans to rebuild the bridge and also upgrade the recreational service quality of the well-known Jialeshui Scenic Area, restoring its former glory.
Known as the ‘Natural Geography Classroom’, the Jialeshui Scenic Area in Manzhou Township, Pingtung, regained popularity after resuming operations earlier this year. However, the nearby Gangkou Suspension Bridge remained closed due to safety issues caused by rusting iron. It suffered additional damage during the Typhoon Koinu. County Councilor Pan Fangquan 潘芳泉 questioned in the council, hoping the county government would assist in rebuilding to retain tourism and business opportunities. The County Transportation and Tourism Department stated that they plan to prioritize the bridge’s reconstruction and upgrade the recreational services of the historic Jialeshui Scenic Area to its former glory.
Located at the entrance of Gangkou Village, the Gangkou Suspension Bridge is a 100-meter long footbridge spanning the mouth of the Gangkou River. On the opposite bank are the land crab ecology and coastal forest landscape. Originally charging 10 yuan per person, it was once the cheapest tourist spot in Taiwan. The township office increased the fee to 20 yuan four years ago, but it remained a popular attraction.
The Development Office built modern public toilets, and the surrounding restaurants and the ‘Hengchun Three Treasures’ Gangkou Tea Shop became popular spots. After the bridge’s closure last year, nearly half of the business opportunities were lost. Jialeshui reopened earlier this year, but the township office kept it closed for safety reasons, and the Typhoon Koinu further damaged the bridge, greatly affecting the tourism image.
Location of Gangkou Suspension Bridge
Pan Fangquan said that the strong winds of Typhoon Koinu directly destroyed the structure of the Gangkou Suspension Bridge, reducing tourist attractions and visitors. It is a popular spot that could be combined with nearby SUP non-motorized water activities, Kayaking, Gangkou tea experiences, and Gangkou ice cream. The loss of this iconic spot is regrettable for tourists and local businesses. The township office has limited capabilities and hopes for county government assistance in reconstruction and overall planning to revive the former glory of Jialeshui.
Abandoned shuttle bus in Jialeshui Scenic Area
The township mayor, Gu Rongfu, said the Gangkou Suspension Bridge, with nearly 20 years of history and located near the sea, has extensive rust corrosion on its iron components. The estimated reconstruction cost is about 20 million yuan. For safety, it is indefinitely closed, and they are seeking funds from higher authorities for reconstruction. The recent complete destruction by Typhoon Koinu means even higher reconstruction costs, and they hope for county government assistance. Future plans include restoring the 10 yuan admission fee, launching a joint ticket with the Jialeshui Scenic Area to attract more tourists, and introducing electric bicycles, planning a camping area, and introducing a dining market to rejuvenate its former glory.
Virtual Tour in Jialeshui Scenic Area
County Transportation and Tourism Department Director Huang Guowei said that since the Gangkou Suspension Bridge was destroyed by the typhoon, in addition to seeking central government funding for priority reconstruction, they also plan to upgrade the recreational services of the historic Jialeshui Scenic Area. The services currently perceived as minimal will be enhanced, including consulting firms for overall planning of recreational service upgrades, such as upgrading the wetland and land crab ecological landscape north of the Gangkou Suspension Bridge, and the basic service facilities of the Jialeshui Scenic Area. Due to the substantial funding required, the plan will be implemented in phases over several years.