The shape of the Danjiang Bridge's tower resembles hands held in prayer, symbolizing a blessing by Guanyin Mountain, while the curves of the bridge body evoke the fluid movements of dancers from the Cloud Gate Theatre.

On May 12, 2026, New Taipei City marked a major infrastructure milestone with the official opening of the Danjiang Bridge—an internationally anticipated landmark connecting the banks of Tamsui and Bali. Blending world-class architectural aesthetics with green transport, this magnificent structure significantly reduces commute times in the region. Moreover, through a series of innovative civic engagement activities, the New Taipei City Government and the central government have transformed this public infrastructure landmark into a sustainable engine for community spirit and low-carbon living.

The Danjiang Bridge stands as the final masterpiece by the late, world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Its core philosophy aims to ensure that major transportation infrastructure balances modern transit needs and environmental preservation. The New Taipei City Government partnered with the central government to protect the historic, internationally acclaimed "Tamsui Sunset" at the river mouth and to minimize the impact on the nearby Wazihwei Nature Reserve's mangrove ecosystem. Together, they decided to break from tradition by adopting a single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge design. With a total length of 920 meters, a tower height of 211 meters, and a main span of 450 meters, it has become the world's largest bridge of its kind. Drawing inspiration from neighboring Guanyin Mountain, the lines of the bridge tower artfully evoke the imagery of "hands held in prayer," while the streamlined silhouette of the bridge echoes the fluid movements of the renowned Taiwanese dance troupe, Cloud Gate Theatre. This profoundly demonstrates how modern infrastructure can also serve as a work of art that coexists harmoniously with nature, culture, and aesthetics.


The cable-stayed lines of the Danjiang Bridge intertwine with the twilight, helping to preserve the globally renowned historical landscape of the "Tamsui Sunset" at the river mouth.


The opening of the Danjiang Bridge has significantly reduced commute times between the Tamsui and Bali banks, which will further stimulate surrounding tourism and industrial development.

More importantly, the bridge integrates a dedicated light rail lane, laying a robust foundation for future low-carbon rail transport. The New Taipei City Government has also leveraged this crucial project to guide citizens toward a low-carbon, transit-oriented lifestyle. To coincide with the bridge's opening, the city's Transportation Department established a micro-transport hub at the Tamsui end. Four new express and tourist bus routes have been rolled out, with early trial operations already underway to serve commuter, airport, and tourism demands.

Prior to the official opening, the New Taipei City Government and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications joined forces to host a series of events. These activities gave tens of thousands of citizens, including runners, hikers, and cyclists, the exclusive opportunity to preview this new landmark. The most moving moment of the "Tamsui-Bali: Bridging the Future" inaugural warm-up event came when New Taipei City Mayor Yu-Ih Hou crossed the bridge alongside several local elders. Among them were two grandmothers, aged 105 and 100, who have borne witness to Tamsui's transformation from a historic town into a modern, sustainable city. Local kindergarteners also joined the walk, bringing a vibrant energy as they wrote down their hopes and visions for the city's future. Through this intergenerational participation, they all collectively witnessed the dawn of a new chapter for New Taipei City.

Following the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, commute times between the Tamsui and Bali banks have been reduced by 25 minutes. This is not only a major boon for local commuters, but also stimulates local tourism and industrial development, fulfilling New Taipei City's vision of a city where residents can "live in peace and work happily." The Danjiang Bridge represents more than just a robust transportation network; it serves as a powerful paradigm for the future. When large-scale infrastructure projects respect local ecology and culture, public works transcend mere cold steel and concrete. Instead, they become engines of green development that significantly enhance urban livability and foster community spirit.


New Taipei City Mayor Yu-Ih Hou and several local elders cross the bridge together. The presence of two centenarian grandmothers—who have witnessed Tamsui evolve from a historic town into a modern, sustainable city—imbues the event with deep meaning.