Four Eiffel-Designed Iron Bridges Along Taiwan's Central Cross-Island Highway Feature Rare Manuscripts

Nestled within the canyons of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range are four iron bridges designed by the Eiffel Factory in France at the end of the 19th century, namely Ciyun Bridge, Cihang Bridge, Guansing Bridge, and Qingquan Bridge. These structures were relocated to Taiwan due to the shifting geopolitical landscape during the Cold War, serving as a crucial element of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Their construction methods mirror those of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, showcasing the wisdom of international engineering and historical continuity.
The Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communications is hosting an exhibition titled "Forgotten Taiwan Eiffel Bridges" at the Taiwan Highway Museum from July 11 to July 18. The exhibition will showcase rare historical materials, including an 1881 handwritten patent manuscript by Eiffel, old factory stock certificates, and hand-drawn design blueprints, presenting a complete narrative of engineering culture between France and Taiwan.
To deepen public understanding of this precious history, Taiwan's first all-English international media platform, TaiwanPlus, has produced a special 24-minute documentary titled "Forgotten Taiwan Eiffel Bridges." It features interviews with numerous domestic and international experts, including members of the Eiffel descendants' association, a former president of the French Academy of Architecture, and guides from Taroko National Park. The documentary, produced in both English and French, will premiere on July 14, 2025, at 8:15 PM during France's National Day across multiple platforms.