Text by MOOK Scenic Spots compiled and reported
Yongcheng Theater, which has a 74-year history, is a Japanese-style wooden building and one of the cultural and artistic attractions in Yanshui District, Tainan. As Yongcheng Theater was once the largest cinema in the area and its architecture has been well preserved, it was recently designated as a historical building by the municipal government in hopes of properly preserving and operating this precious old theater.
Yongcheng Theater has a 74-year history, dating back to the Japanese colonial period (Photo/Tainan Tourism Network, the same applies below)
Opened in 1945, Yongcheng Theater was originally the "Yongcheng Rice Mill" operated by Mr. Huang Zhi during the Japanese colonial period. The rice mill had long-term cooperation and dealings with the Japanese government and enjoyed excellent business. However, during World War II, the rice mill suffered severe damage from the war. It wasn't until after Taiwan's retrocession that it was rebuilt into "Yongcheng Theater."
Thanks to Mr. Huang Zhi’s extensive network, the theater also became a gathering place for political and business elites at the time and was quite prominent. In addition to screening films, Yongcheng Theater also invited theater troupes to perform. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that this historic theater officially ceased operations.
After the theater closed, the municipal government invested tens of millions to renovate it and transformed it into a cultural and artistic attraction in Yanshui District, while preserving items used at the time, including the projection screen, hinoki wooden long seats, projectors, as well as filmmaking equipment, film reels, and signatures of vintage celebrities from the early days. The theater also screens classic films and documentaries about the theater, offering a strong sense of the past.
If you have the chance to visit the small town of Yanshui, be sure to check out Yongcheng Theater. When you have more time, you can also go inside to watch an old movie and experience the retro charm of traveling back in time.
[Info]
Yongcheng Theater
Address: No. 21, Guogang Road, Yanshui District, Tainan City
Business Hours: Wed–Fri 13:30–17:30; Sat–Sun 09:30–17:30 (Closed all day on Mon & Tue / Closed on the three major traditional festivals)
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