Time passes, and the “Changchun Bridge” in Taroko is set to be demolished and rebuilt

▲ The Changchun Bridge in Taroko, which leads to the Changchun Shrine, is being demolished due to its advanced age. The photo shows the vibrant scene of the Taroko Canyon Music Festival held under the bridge. (Photo / Courtesy ofTaroko National Park Fan Page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The Taroko “Changchun Bridge,” which holds significant historical value and was built over 50 years ago, will be demolished and reconstructed due to years of neglect. The Taroko National Park Administration has made the decision to rebuild it.

The Changchun Shrine in Taroko National Park features an architectural style of China’s Tang Dynasty and was built to commemorate the 212 veterans who unfortunately lost their lives in the line of duty during the construction of Provincial Highway 8, the Central Cross-Island Highway. The Changchun Bridge is the main access bridge to the Changchun Shrine. Since the opening and construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway in 1960 (the 49th year of the Republic of China), more than 50 years have passed. The rivet-based construction technique — no longer in use today — was the main method employed to build this bridge. However, due to its extreme aging and potential dangers revealed during Typhoon Soudelor, the park administration carefully decided to demolish and rebuild the bridge in October. While retaining its original design, parts of the old bridge are planned to be preserved.

Many visitors expressed regret upon hearing the news and hurried to visit, hoping to take as many photos as possible before the bridge is taken down.