New Cultural Attraction: Former U.S. Military Club Sparks Photo Craze

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwan is home to numerous historical and cultural heritage sites and buildings. Having been under the rule of the Dutch, the Qing Dynasty, and Japanese colonial period, among others, a variety of foreign-style architectures have become part of Taiwan’s contemporary culture. In Yangmingshan, Taipei, there is a remnant of the U.S. military presence in Taiwan — the former Yangmingshan Fellowship Society within the former U.S. military housing complex (some call it the U.S. Military Club). Originally, it was the Grass Mountain Youth Club for the children of American servicemen during the U.S. military’s stay in Taiwan. After the withdrawal of U.S. forces, it was converted into the Pacific Fellowship Society, which also closed down not long after. It then remained abandoned for nearly 10 years until it was recently tendered out by the Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs. After an investment of NT$100 million and two years of restoration, this forgotten piece of historical architecture has been brought back to life.

The renovated U.S. Military Club opened to the public in mid-January. Its nostalgic American-style architecture and garden landscaping quickly became a hit online after its opening, attracting many visitors for photos and making it a new hot spot for photo shoots.