By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
Symbolizing the landmark and facade of the Changhua Yuanfeng Farm, the "Taiwan Version of the Arc de Triomphe," built at one-quarter scale in imitation of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, is set to be demolished by the end of May this year in response to the electrification of the Eastern Line railway and the dual-tracking of certain sections. Since its completion in 1999, the arch has stood for 13 years. Those who haven’t yet had the chance to see it in person should seize the opportunity — otherwise, you may have to fly all the way to Paris, France.
After its completion, the Arc de Triomphe was often seen with visitors arriving at the farm immediately taking out their cameras to snap photos, either using it as a backdrop or as a scenic view. (Photo provided by Yuanfeng Farm)
Due to the farm’s susceptibility to drought in the summer, the structure was initially mainly intended to store reserve water for irrigating the European-style garden. However, building just a water tower as a facade would have been too abrupt. Former chairman Wu Jialu believed that since the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, is a world-famous landmark, adopting an Arc de Triomphe as the farm’s facade would surely generate buzz and attract visitors. Thus, the idea was put into practice. In addition to serving as a facade, it also functioned as a water tower for water storage. The front of the arch features two lion statues representing the Shin Kong Group, standing guard like temple guardians, protecting the farm. Inside the arch is also a memorial monument commemorating the development history of the farm.
The farm is home to over 30 species of animals, which visitors can not only observe but also enjoy feeding. (Photography by Traveler Li Xinyi of Scenic Spots Home)
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 is about to be gone, he feels a deep sense of reluctance, but it also signifies that the farm is moving on to the next stage. With the Eastern Line railway electrification project, 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 directly take the train to the farm. This will bring greater convenience.
● Extended reading: The unreachable station? A wooden station from the Japanese colonial era ! The cruise-style train launches with a focus on distinctive platforms
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