Termites ruin iconic Vic archway

A Bendigo tourist icon will be torn down after termites attacked the wooden gateway to the Victorian city's Chinese district.

The large, multi-tiered and ornate archway also has dry rot, Bendigo City Council said on Thursday.

It will be torn down over the next few days after being deemed unsafe and at risk of collapse.

The archway is about 20 years old and staff became aware of structural problems during a recent inspection.

The council will investigate whether the archway can be restored and, if not, discuss other options with local Chinese associations.

"We are working to retain the granite bases," planning director Prue Mansfield said.

"These will remain and will be finished off to retain the symbolic entrance."

The 1850s gold rush brought thousands of Chinese to Bendigo and the archway marks the entrance to the city's Chinese precinct.