The only Japanese-style prison in Taiwan: Experience inmates' daily life in a Y-year-old building

Text by / Scenic Spots Family compiled report
 
This century-old prison building has now been transformed into a prison museum. Its unique design makes it the world's only Pennsylvania-style prison preserved in its original location. Visitors can take a glimpse into the living environment of inmates at the time and experience the daily life of prisoners.

Chiayi Prison is located in East District, Chiayi, and was completed in the 11th year of the Taisho era during Japanese rule. It was used as a branch of the Tainan Prison and is now the Chiayi Prison Administration Museum.

The various facilities inside the prison are well-preserved. The complete hardware infrastructure serves as an excellent living teaching material for legal education and the evolution of human rights. The site also displays many artifacts from that period, helping people better understand the conditions at the time.

Chiayi Prison is also the world’s only existing Pennsylvania-style prison preserved in its original location. Its warden’s office and related spaces display numerous artifacts from the period, allowing visitors to learn more about prison life at the time through historical documents and photos.

What makes Chiayi Prison particularly unique is its architectural planning, spatial design, and construction techniques. To reduce labor costs while maintaining effective control, the cellblocks extend radially from a central watchtower, enabling easy monitoring.