The only surviving department store building from the Japanese colonial era in Taiwan, “Linde Department Store,” will make a grand comeback at the end of the month.

▲ Tainan’s “Linde Department Store,” the only remaining department store structure from the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, is set to shine again at the end of the month. (Photo / Provided by Tainan City Government)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Tainan’s “Linde Department Store,” the only surviving department store building from the Japanese colonial era in Taiwan, is poised to make a comeback at the end of the month. As it holds nostalgic value for many long-time residents of Tainan and stands as a testament to Japan’s colonial history on the island, many have inquired about it even prior to its opening, and it is anticipated to spark a wave of enthusiasm upon reopening.

Located at the intersection of Zhongzheng Road and Zhongyi Road in Tainan City, the “Linde Department Store” was established in 1932. With five floors, it was known at the time as the “Five-Story Building” and was the most fashionable and trendy place of its era. It also featured the city’s first-ever “elevator,” and visiting “Linde Department Store to ride the elevator” was an iconic pastime for the locals. The elevator's top-floor ventilation and lighting feature a “pointer-style” floor indicator, combining eco-friendliness with classic charm.

▲ Visiting “Linde Department Store to ride the elevator” was an iconic pastime for the locals. (Photo / Provided by Tainan City Government)

In the latter stages of World War II, when the United States bombed Taiwan, Linde Department Store was hit by a bomb that failed to detonate, leading to rumors that the building was so sturdy that not even artillery shells could destroy it. Aside from the bombing, the exterior walls of the store still bear bullet marks from strafing by American aircraft, telling the story of the wartime era.

The Tainan City Government invested NT$80 million to begin restoration work in January 2010 (Year 99 in Taiwan’s calendar), completing it this January. However, even before the completion, many people called to ask when they could visit. The city’s Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that Linde Department Store is scheduled to open on June 30, along with a retrospective exhibition. The visiting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. However, considering the timeline for external operators to move in, public visits will be limited to July and August only. Therefore, those wishing to see the authentic Linde Department Store should make plans to visit during these two months.