The Arc de Triomphe is about to become history and is expected to be demolished by the end of May

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

Symbolizing the landmark and facade of Yuanfeng Farm, the "Taiwan version of the Arc de Triomphe," built at a 1/4 scale modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, is set to be demolished by the end of May this year due to the electrification of the eastern railway and the double-tracking of certain sections. Since its completion in 1999, this Arc de Triomphe has stood for 13 years. Those who haven’t yet had the chance to see it should seize the opportunity, or else they’ll have to fly all the way to Paris, France.

Due to the farm's susceptibility to drought in summer, the structure was initially built mainly to store reserve water for irrigating the European-style garden. However, constructing just a water tower as a facade would have seemed too abrupt. Former chairman Wu Jialu believed that the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, is a world-famous landmark, and making the farm’s facade an Arc de Triomphe would surely generate buzz and attract visitors. Thus, the idea was put into action. In addition to serving as a facade, it also functions as a water tower for water storage. The front of the gate features two lion statues representing the Shin Kong Group, standing guard like door gods, protecting the farm. Inside the gate, there is also a memorial monument commemorating the development history of the farm.

Ko Hsi-shan, head of the farm’s engineering section and currently the most senior employee with over 30 years of service, regards the Arc de Triomphe as a colleague he worked with for 13 years. It took four months to build originally, and now that it’s about to be gone, he feels a deep sense of reluctance. But it also represents that the farm is moving on to the next stage. With the electrification project of the Eastern Line railway, a brand-new train station will also be built on the original site of the Arc de Triomphe. In the future, visitors will be able to arrive at the farm directly by train, making access much more convenient.

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