Unveiling the Manuscripts of Four Eiffel-Designed Iron Bridges on the Central Cross-Island Highway
In the canyons of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range stand four iron bridges designed by the Eiffel factory in France in the late 19th century: Ciyun Bridge, Cihang Bridge, Guanjing Bridge, and Qingquan Bridge. These bridges were relocated to Taiwan during the Cold War, becoming a crucial component of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Their structural methods are derived from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, showcasing international engineering wisdom and historical continuity.
The Directorate General of Highways will hold a documentary exhibition titled 'Forgotten Taiwan Eiffel Iron Bridges' at the Taiwan Highway Museum from July 11 to 18, displaying rare transnational historical materials including Eiffel's handwritten bridge patent manuscript from 1881, stock certificates from the old Eiffel factory, and hand-drawn design diagrams, which fully present the cultural context of Franco-Taiwanese engineering.
In order to deepen public understanding of this precious history, Taiwan's first English-language international media platform, TaiwanPlus, specially produced a documentary titled 'Forgotten Taiwan Eiffel Iron Bridges.' The 24-minute film is produced in both English and French. The documentary was filmed across Taiwan and France, featuring interviews with numerous experts, including members of the Eiffel descendants association, former presidents of the French Academy of Architecture, guides from Taroko National Park, and former deputy chief engineers from the Highway Bureau.
This film will premiere simultaneously on July 14, 2025, at 8:15 PM on the TaiwanPlus television channel, the official website, and the TaiwanPlus Docs YouTube channel. To coincide with the premiere, the Directorate General of Highways will also host the documentary exhibition 'Forgotten Taiwan Eiffel Iron Bridges' at the Taiwan Highway Museum from July 11 to 18, featuring rare historical materials from both France and Taiwan, providing a comprehensive presentation of this valuable engineering asset that crosses Eurasia, integrating technology, culture, and historical significance.
