The tourism potential of the indigenous Rukai community in Pingtung County’s Wutai Township is being unlocked by Taiwan’s tallest bridge.
Guchuan, a 99-meter tall or 33-storey bridge, spans the North Ailiao River Valley. Three years in planning and construction, it replaces a structure washed away during Typhoon Morakot in 2009.
The bridge has opened access to diverse tourist attractions in this mountainous region of southern Taiwan. Some of these are Shenshan and Yila waterfalls, as well as Slate Lane.
Famed for its distinctive Rukai art, culture and customs, the lane’s signature slate houses, wood carvings and Presbyterian church featuring the tallest cross made of cypress in Asia are drawing tourists from far and wide.
The church is building a cult following among visitors, who come in the hope of seeing it enveloped in a “heavenly mist.” Wutai means fog-shrouded plateau in Mandarin.
Since opening in October last year, Guchuan has brought in around 3,500 tourists per day, with 14 new hostels opening in six months to accommodate additional demand.
Plans are afoot to capitalize on increased visitor numbers. From November, the Tourism Bureau under the ROC Ministry of Transportation and Communications will launch an NT$14 million-plus (US$466,000) program aimed at transforming the region into a top-flight tourism destination. (YHC-JSM)
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