After a year of renovation and transformation, one of Taichung’s most culturally iconic landmarks—the Huludun Cultural Center Recital Hall—officially reopened today (19th) with the powerful performance “Drumming Blessings to Shake the Heavens and Earth” by the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe. Chen Chia-Chun, the Director of the Taichung City Government's Cultural Bureau, announced that the city government invested over 54 million NTD in seismic reinforcement and a complete upgrade of the air conditioning system. The ratio of male to female restrooms has also been optimized to 1:4, creating a safer and more comfortable family-friendly theater space that will serve as an important new hub for cultural development in the mountain districts of Taichung.
Director Chen noted that the Huludun Cultural Center has been in operation for over 40 years, and the recital hall also boasts a rich history. It withstood the 921 earthquake, but the venue's structure and facilities urgently required upgrades to meet contemporary performance and audience demands. In response, the city government allocated a budget of 54 million NTD last year for extensive spatial improvements. These enhancements include structural seismic reinforcement, upgrades to the air conditioning system, restroom renovations, and optimized circulation flow , all designed to elevate the overall experience for audiences. Director Chen also emphasized that, as a woman and with Mayor Lu  being the only female mayor among the six major cities, this renovation particularly focused on the needs of female audiences. The restroom ratio has been optimized to 1:4 to better accommodate the convenience and comfort of more women participating in cultural activities, ensuring thoughtful and equitable public cultural services.
"Let the notes soar once more at the Hualien Cultural Center!" Director Chen stated that the Huludun Cultural Center has consistently served as a cultural hub in the Fengyuan district, hosting over 120 events annually, with performances occurring nearly every three days, showcasing a vibrant artistic energy. The recital hall is reopening with an "Art Week" from now until August 3, featuring performances by the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra in a musical kicking off with the Chio-Tian Folk Drums& Art Troupe, and collaborating with the center’s resident groups, including the Open Theater Group and the Dajia Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra to present more than 12 exciting programs..
In addition, a summer public piano experience will debut at the Huludun Cultural Center. From a child’s first encounter with live theater to intergenerational musical enrichment, the event offers something for everyone. All citizens are warmly invited to take part.
Today's first performance featured a vibrant opening by the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe with "Drumming for Blessings to Shake the Heavens and the Earth", followed by the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra’s children’s theater production “The Penguin and the Red Rooster,” which combines picture book storytelling with music. These performances filled the hall with joy and sentiment as audiences of all ages witness the rebirth of the venue.
The Huludun Cultural Center noted that the renovation project began in July of last year, focusing on multiple improvements to the Recital Hall, including seismic reinforcement of the structure, upgrades to the air conditioning system, restroom renovations, and optimized circulation flow throughout the venue. Among the most eye-catching highlights is the newly installed large-scale art piece in the soaring lobby space. Created by artist Shih Chia-hsiang, the art piece blends the rhythm of musical notes with imagery inspired by the woodcraft traditions of the mountain region, embodying the rich essence of Taichung’s craftsmanship culture. The result is an immersive spatial aesthetic—“a visible symphony one can walk into.” For more information, please visit the Huludun Cultural Center’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/huludun.taichung).