Text by Spot.com.tw, compiled and reported
At the corner of Taiwan Boulevard in central Taichung stands a three-story building with a sense of history—the Central Bookstore. Once a hub of cultural and intellectual gatherings during the Japanese colonial period, after the passage of time, it closed its doors in 1998 and faded into history. Finally, on November 1 of this year, it reopened for a trial run and is scheduled to officially open in January 2020.
The classic old building “Central Bookstore” reopened for a trial run in November this year. (Photo by clinling_kuo)
The entrance of the bookstore. (Photo by littlestar0202)
The “Central Bookstore” was once the largest Chinese-language bookstore in Taiwan. In 1920s Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period, under the spirit of national self-determination, members of the Taiwan Cultural Association such as Lin Hsien-tang, Lin Yu-chun, Chang Chin-shih, and Lai Ho established the “Central Club,” and in 1927 founded the Central Bookstore. It was an important venue for enlightening the public and preserving culture at the time.
The arc-shaped building has a simple exterior yet retains a sense of history. (Photo by clinling_kuo, the same below)
The Central Bookstore can be considered a hub of knowledge and culture in Taichung.
The arc-shaped structure of the Central Bookstore preserves the original beams, columns, and ceilings. Its simple and elegant exterior design evokes a sense of tranquility flowing through time and a deep cultural richness. The interior is bright and spacious, with a clean and modern design. Being in such a space doesn’t feel cramped but rather relaxed and comfortable.
The seating area on the second floor faces a row of glass windows, letting in natural light and making the entire space even brighter and more comfortable.
- 1
- 2