Qing Dynasty-Themed Events at Confucian Academies & Japanese-Era Police Stations: 4 "Time-Travel" Century-Old Historic Sites in Kaohsiung

▲ The century-old original Dinglinzhibian Police Station perfectly retains the charm of traditional Japanese architecture. (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive Report

Weathered historic sites always possess a unique charm. Visiting them not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture but also helps you better understand history and the lifestyles of people from the past. These well-preserved century-old buildings still retain their original appearance from decades ago, seemingly blending the past with the modern world. They offer visitors the chance to explore what life was like during the Qing Dynasty or the early Japanese colonial period, as if stepping back a hundred years into a bygone era.

Century-old Japanese-Era Police Station “Dinglinzhibian Police Station”
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Saturdays & Sundays 09:00–17:00) *Closed every Monday
Admission: Free
Address: No. 97, Fuxing St., Linhai District, Kaohsiung City

▲ Take a peek at the appearance of a police station from the Japanese colonial period.

Located in Linhai District, Kaohsiung, the Dinglinzhibian Police Station was built in 1898 and has a history of over a hundred years. The well-preserved structure still maintains its original appearance from the Japanese colonial era. Opening the age-old Japanese-style sliding doors feels like entering another time and space. The former police dormitory has been completely preserved and is open to visitors. By putting on the wooden clogs provided on-site, you can freely explore the old house. The classic vintage setting looks wonderful in photos no matter how you shoot it.

▲ The light filtering through the lattice windows onto the tatami mat resembles a scene from a Japanese film.

▲ Police hats, improved over time, have also become historical artifacts.

“Fengyi Confucian Academy” Dressed in Qing Dynasty Attire for a Historic Costume Party
Address: No. 62, Fengming St., Fongshan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07 740 5362
Business Hours: Weekdays 10:30–17:30, Holidays 10:30–18:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: Please refer toofficial website

▲ Dressing up in Qing Dynasty costumes in front of Fengyi Confucian Academy feels like traveling through time. (Photo / IG @l_c.t, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.)

“Fengyi Confucian Academy” is the oldest and largest existing Confucian academy in Taiwan, with a history of over two hundred years since its establishment in the Qing Dynasty. It was once an examination hall for the imperial civil service exams during the Qing era. During the Japanese colonial period, it was used as a hospital, silkworm farm, and dormitory. It officially opened to the public in 2014. In addition to displaying related historical relics, it also provides blue official uniforms so that visitors can instantly transform into Qing-era figures and enjoy a costume-themed experience.

▲ After restoration, Fengyi Confucian Academy officially opened to the public in 2014. (Photo / IG @weihsin727, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.)

Explore the Thrilling Ruins of the White Terror Era at “Japanese Navy Fengshan Wireless Telegraph Station”
Opening Hours: Saturdays & Sundays 9:00 – 17:00
Address: Shengli Rd., Fongshan District, Kaohsiung City
Admission: Free

▲ Abandoned bunker structures and weathered red bricks bear the marks of history. (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

The Japanese Navy Fengshan Wireless Telegraph Station is a great spot for ruin exploration. This military relic, preserved through both the Japanese colonial period and the White Terror era, feels like stepping into another time. During the Japanese colonial era, it was one of Japan’s three major wireless telegraph stations; in the 1950s, it became the “Fengshan Detention Center,” a secret interrogation unit for the navy during the White Terror period; by the 1960s, it was converted into the Mingde Training Class, which housed undisciplined soldiers. Although it is now abandoned and overgrown with weeds, the once heavily guarded atmosphere, along with the eerie vibes of the detention and rehabilitation rooms, can still be felt.

▲ Inside the building, discarded tables and chairs are scattered haphazardly.

▲ A bunker is also hidden under a tree on a small hill, offering various spots for exploration.

The charming Japanese-era wooden "Sankecuo Train Station"
Address: End of Lane 90, Sande West Street, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City

▲ Sankecuo Train Station is built with Japanese cypress wood. (Photo / Courtesy of the "Kaohsiung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau" official website, the same below.)

Sankecuo Train Station is one of the few remaining Japanese-era wooden train stations in Kaohsiung, bearing witness to the early development of Taiwan’s railway system. The southern Taiwan railway project commenced in the 32nd year of the Meiji era (1899), advancing northward from Takao (Kaohsiung) and simultaneously constructing an eastbound branch line to Jioujiutang (Fengshan Branch Line). Sankecuo Station was the first station on this branch line. Built with Japanese cypress and featuring traditional construction techniques, both the structure and craftsmanship are valuable cultural assets. Although the interior is not currently open to the public, this historic, century-old wooden train station is still well worth a visit.

▲ The train station was designated as a municipal heritage site in 2004 and has since been restored.