[2] The bridge was built by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War to provide access to the land west of the river.

[1] The responsibility for the bridge's construction was given to the Japanese company Shimizu Group Contracting, with the steel frames built by Taiwan's Takao Shipbuilding Production and Installation.

After Japan's defeat in World War II, the bridge entered civilian service with a 10-ton load limit and one-way traffic only.

As the Nandu River Iron Bridge deteriorated and became dangerous, it was closed to traffic and preserved as a monument.

[6][7][8] Today, the bridge attracts such visitors as photographers, tourists, couples using the site as a backdrop for wedding photo shoots, and on September 18 each year, people gather to pay tribute.