Taichung, renowned as a "Cultural City," prides itself on its rich historical heritage and a unique geographic position that has preserved the traces of various ethnic groups over time, showcasing Taiwan’s cultural evolution. At today’s (Feb 25th) municipal meeting, Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung emphasized the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, which includes 60 designated historic monuments and 119 heritage buildings. The city government continues to restore and repurpose cultural heritage sites, allowing the public to experience their historical significance. Since 2019, restoration projects such as the Taichung Prefectural Hall and the Taichung Prison Officer Quarters have not only safeguarded history but also infused the city with renewed cultural vitality.
Cultural Affairs Bureau Director-General Chen Chia-chun presented a special report titled "Beyond Restoration, Towards Regeneration: The Revitalization and Adaptive Reuse of Taichung’s Cultural Heritage." She highlighted that cultural heritage is the city’s most treasured asset, encompassing architecture, artifacts, and traditional craftsmanship with historical, artistic, and scientific value. The bureau's mission is to ensure these cultural treasures are passed down through generations by actively promoting their adaptive reuse. Currently, Taichung has 190 tangible cultural heritage sites, of which 86% have been successfully restored and repurposed for uses such as government offices, boutique lodgings, creative industry hubs, contemporary exhibition spaces, and even senior employment centers.
Chen explained that the city's key cultural heritage revitalization projects span various districts across the city. Along the coastal region, notable sites include the Niumatou Historic Cultural Park, Shekou Yang Residence in Qingshui, and the Former Wuqi Police Station and Dormitory Complex. In the urban district, significant projects encompass the Taichung Prefectural Hall and its annex buildings, Taichung Shiyakusho, Datun County Hall, Datun Governor’s Residence, Taiwan Prefecture Confucian Examination Hall, Japanese-era Police Dormitory Complex, Taichung Prison Official Residence Cluster, Former Residence of Lin Mao-yang, Miyahara Takekuma Residence, Fourth Market, and the Taichung Imperial Sugar Factory and its affiliated structures. In the Tun District, key sites include the Taiping Tobacco Market and Wuri Police Station, while the mountain region features the Shengang Canal. The city government remains committed to unveiling new facets of cultural heritage, preserving its legacy while embracing innovative transformations.
"Cultural heritage preservation and revitalization are the results of collective efforts!" Chen emphasized that the Cultural Affairs Bureau and its Cultural Heritage Department remain committed to professional restoration, ensuring the passing on of heritage values while integrating innovative designs and modern technologies to breathe new life into traditional culture. She also expressed gratitude to all units involved in the maintenance and conservation of cultural assets, working together with the bureau to promote the preservation and revitalization of historical sites. With a long-term vision and sustainable development strategies, these efforts aim to create a culturally rich and diverse environment for future generations. For more information on cultural heritage sites and reservations, please visit the Taichung Cultural Heritage Department's website: https://www.tchac.taichung.gov.tw/attractionList?uid=69.