60th Anniversary of the Xiluo Bridge Opening Celebrated by Yunlin and Changhua Counties

▲The Xiluo Bridge, once known as the “Far East’s Longest Rainbow,” has been open for 60 years. (Photo / Courtesy of the Highway Bang website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Once hailed as the “Far East’s Longest Rainbow” and ranked first among Taiwan Provincial Highway No. 1’s “Eight Scenic Spots,” the Xiluo Bridge was a vital transportation route between Yunlin and Changhua counties. Now marking a full sixty years since its opening, both county governments have organized celebratory events and are inviting the public to take a nostalgic heritage trip starting on the 12th.

The striking red, steel-arched Xiluo Bridge was constructed in the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937), taking about 15 years to complete during the Japanese colonial period and World War II. Stretching 1,939 meters in length, it was once dubbed the “Far East’s Longest Rainbow” and served as a key transit hub connecting Yunlin and Changhua counties in the 1940s. Although it has been largely replaced by the nearby Xizhou Bridge due to years of river erosion and increased traffic demands, the Xiluo Bridge remains an important chapter in Taiwan’s transportation history.

▲In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Xiluo Bridge's opening, Changhua County government exhibited the world’s first bicycle, the “Celerifere,” which features a crocodile-shaped handlebar. (Photo / Provided by Changhua County Government)

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Xiluo Bridge's opening, Changhua County has adopted the theme “Chang & Luo Celebrations.” In addition to showcasing the world’s first bicycle — the Celerifere with a crocodile-shaped handlebar — the northern section of the bridge will be transformed into an “Era Boulevard” on the 12th and 13th, featuring vintage bicycles, old photographs, and a charming old-fashioned candy store, inviting the public to step back in time.

Yunlin County’s Tourism and Culture Festival will also run from the 12th to the 20th, displaying a precious 20-meter-long group photo taken at the bridge’s opening 60 years ago, featuring hundreds of people. The festival aims to invite visitors to admire the timeless beauty of the Xiluo Bridge over the course of the celebration period.