Hsinchu's Jincheng New Village to Build Taiwan’s First Military Dependents’ Village Library

▲ Jincheng New Village to Build Taiwan’s First Military Dependents’ Village Library (Photo / Provided by Hsinchu City Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Jincheng New Village plans to build Taiwan’s first military dependents’ village library. Hsinchu Mayor Lin Chih-chien stated that these old buildings are irreplaceable assets, no matter how much money is spent. In the future, the city will preserve and revitalize the historic structures, collaborate with the Ministry of National Defense to develop a cultural and creative park, and establishTaiwan’s first military dependents’ village library, the “Generals’ Village Library,”which

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that Jincheng New Village is located on Jincheng First and Second Roads in the East District, covering a total area of approximately 2,500 pyeong. It was once the residential quarters for military officers at the rank of regimental commander and above, commonly known as the"Generals' Village."The original construction materials included red brick walls, wooden roof trusses covered with black tiles, ceilings, cement floors, and wooden-framed glass windows and doors. When it was first completed, the architecture was entirely in an American style, without walls, featuring a central L-shaped wooden and brick house surrounded by lawns, making its form distinct from typical military dependents' villages.

▲ Jincheng New Village plans to build the nation's first dependents' village library (Photo / Provided by Hsinchu City Government)

The Cultural Affairs Bureau said that in the future, this area will be revitalized and repurposed as a cultural and creative park. In addition to displaying dependents' village artifacts and historical stories to preserve the fond memories of the village, the original individual residential units will be connected to create a campus-style layout with book reading spaces, as well as various lectures, exhibitions, and small performances, bringing the entire space to life and establishing a complete cultural and creative park.

Hsinchu City has many old buildings, including Jincheng New Village and the police dormitories on Nanda Road behind Hsinchu Railway Station’s back station. These buildings are often surrounded by old trees, which are a major feature of the city. Mayor Lin Chih-chien said that since taking office, he has been very concerned about preserving the city’s historical imprints. He launched the Old Trees and Residences Project, aiming to replace the previous approach of demolition and reconstruction with one that properly preserves these buildings and old trees that have grown alongside the citizens over the years.