Step into the timeless charm of hidden wedding photo spots and capture the Hongnan Dormitory Complex

Text & Photography / Kaohsiung City - Bureau of Cultural Affairs

Aside from the military dependents’ villages in Zuoying and Fongshan, Kaohsiung also has a well-preserved dormitory complex in Nanzih District that blends Taiwanese and Japanese architectural styles. These buildings, over 70 years old, feature blue or gray exteriors that make them stand out. Set against a backdrop of greenery, with sunlight filtering through the trees to create dappled shade, it’s an incredibly peaceful place to take a stroll and enjoy the breeze on a summer afternoon.

This was a dormitory area next to the Chinese Petroleum Corporation’s Refinery, originally built to house CPC employees. The dormitories were divided into two main zones: the Hongnan Dormitory Area and the Hongyi Dormitory Area. The Hongnan Dormitory has a long history, with records dating back to the Japanese colonial period. It was initially constructed alongside the Japanese Sixth Naval Fuel Factory when the Japanese navy arrived in Taiwan. Observing the buildings themselves, one can find details full of Japanese style, and even the structure of doors and entrances reveals the military ranks of the residents at the time — for example, single-family units were reserved for high-ranking officers.

After World War II, these dormitories were taken over by the state and allocated for use by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation. Later, the complex also included amenities such as a small vegetable market, laundry, barbershop, library, staff canteen, and a welfare store, along with CPC-branded ice pops. The area was self-sufficient in terms of daily needs, with a neat, grid-like layout that was clean and orderly. Living here at the time was something many people envied.

A hidden gem in Kaohsiung – the most beautiful angles for wedding photos and MV scenes

After the refinery ceased operations, the dormitories are now unoccupied. But for many former CPC employees who once lived here, the place is filled with memories. For the general public, it has become an oasis in Kaohsiung — quiet and undisturbed due to its low foot traffic, making it a new choice for photography. From time to time, you might encounter wedding photo shoots here. Whether it’s an elegant white wedding gown or a playful, youthful short skirt, the old dormitories provide a perfect backdrop. Music videos like Mayday’s “Enough” and scenes from the drama “Black & White” were filmed here.