An Island of Miracles- Archival Exhibition on Taiwan’s Selected Construction Projects 1970-1980
In the 1970s, Taiwan launched a transformative period of major construction aimed at developing its land resources and accelerating economic growth. Amidst global economic challenges, including two international oil crises, the Taiwanese government embarked on an array of infrastructure projects. These initiatives encompassed railroads, bridges, and tunnels, harnessing innovative technologies and construction methods to strengthen inter-regional development links. It was not until the 1980s that the government shifted its mindset from purely economic development to a more balanced approach, equally emphasizing development and environmental protection in new construction projects.
As a pivotal component of this major construction initiative, the North-Link Line was established to unlock the potential of eastern Taiwan's resources and address transportation challenges. Significantly, this marked the first railway line to be constructed by the Taiwanese people after the central government's relocation to Taiwan. Meanwhile, in northern Taiwan, the locally designed and built Guandu Bridge, an impressive steel arch bridge, greatly enhanced local transportation and bolstered the regional economy. Recognizing the global trend of containerized shipping, the government embarked on a significant project to enhance the capabilities of Kaohsiung Port in southern Taiwan. A second entrance to the port, along with a container terminal, was constructed to meet the growing container loading and unloading demands. In a remarkable feat of engineering, a unique cross-harbor tunnel was built, making it the only one of its kind in Taiwan.
The 1980s witnessed an increasing global awareness of environmental concerns. It was during this time that Taiwan's first-ever environmental impact assessment took place, specifically in regard to the New Central Cross-Island Highway project, which aimed to facilitate development in the Central Mountain Range while connecting eastern and western Taiwan. This assessment aimed to strike a balance between road construction and ecological conservation. Additionally, the Taipei Zoo was relocated from Yuanshan to Muzha, driven by the objectives of better ecological conservation and animal welfare. Situated along a mountain bas, the new site was designed to replicate the native environments of the animals, and the largest zoo in Asia was built.
Through a selection of key archival records showcasing Taiwan's major construction projects, this exhibition seeks to evoke the missions and impacts of these iconic endeavors. By connecting these milestones of the 1970s and 1980s, which witnessed the transition from development-oriented thinking to conservation-minded approaches, we highlight the genesis of contemporary concepts surrounding sustainable engineering.
Sectionan 1 The North-Link Line: A Golden Railway Route Driving Eastward Development
The government embarked on the task of constructing the North-Link Line. Pioneering a novel approach to tunnel building, the project simultaneously commenced from both ends at Suao and Hualien. Upon its completion, the North-Link Line swiftly emerged as the primary lifeline connecting the east and west.
Sectionan 2 Tidal-Based Construction Method: Unleashing Ingenuity in Building the Guandu Bridge
In a quest to establish an integrated coastal highway system in the north and enhance transportation, the government undertook the construction of the Guandu Bridge. This steel bridge, characterized by its five continuous arches, was achieved through the utilization of a tidal-based construction method. Since its inauguration, the Guandu Bridge has linked Tamsui and Bali and become an iconic landmark and a beautiful scene of the Tamsui River.
Sectionan 3 The Kaohsiung Cross-Harbor Tunnel: A Prominent Feature of the Kaohsiung Port Expansion Project
After the completion of the second entrance to Kaohsiung Port, the government unveiled a plan to construct Cargo Terminal No. 4 on the island of Cijin. To facilitate seamless connectivity, a groundbreaking subsea tunnel project was initiated. Employing the cutting-edge immersed tunneling method, the cross-harbor tunnel materialized while the deepwater pier and Cargo Terminal No. 4 were built synchronously at the Zhongxing Commercial Port Zone in Cijin.
Sectionan 4 Navigating the Conservation Dilemma: The New Central Cross-Island Highway
The New Central Cross-Island Highway encompassed three sections: Shuili-Yushan, Chiayi-Yushan, and Yushan-Yuli. Taiwan conducted its first-ever environmental impact assessment, evaluating the potential ecological impact of this construction endeavor. As a result, the government made the decision to suspend the construction of the Yushan-Yuli section. The New Central Cross-Island Highway made contributions to Taiwan's transportation, economy, and tourism sectors.
Sectionan 5 Animal Paradise Found: Why Did the Taipei Zoo Decide to Move?
Driven by a commitment to provide a superior habitat for its animal residents, the Taipei Zoo undertook the decision to relocate from Yuanshan to Muzha. The new site, situated along a mountainside, was designed to preserve four-fifths of the natural landscape. This nature-embracing sanctuary serves not only as a recreational haven for citizens but also as a vital hub for animal conservation, education, and research.
* Xinzhuang Exhibition
2023/10/18 - 2025/05/29
09:00-17:00（closed on holidays）
Exhibition Hall, National Archives Administration, National Development Council
In addition to hosting the abovementioned exhibitions, NAA also established an online exhibition system.
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Last Updated:
2023-10-23
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