Once the most beautiful government office building in Taiwan — the century-old “Taichung City Hall” reopens

▲ The century-old “Taichung City Hall” has recently reopened. (Photo / Provided by Taichung City Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The “Taichung City Hall,” once the most beautiful government office building in Taiwan, has reopened to the public on the 27th after years of restoration. The first floor will be turned into a café, while the second floor will serve as an arts and culture space, allowing the public to experience the former charm and history of the Taichung City Hall.

Built in 1911, the Taichung City Hall is one of the “Ceno-style” Neo-Baroque buildings, just like the Presidential Office Building. It was also the first reinforced concrete structure in Taichung at the time. During the Japanese colonial period in 1920, it became the administrative office of Taichung City and was even praised as the most luxurious city hall in Taiwan during that era. After the war, it underwent several transformations, serving as the Taichung Municipal Government Archives, a press room, and the office space for the Transportation Bureau.

The 1999 921 Earthquake caused partial damage to the building, which was once deemed unsafe. Restoration work began in two phases starting in 2002, and this year the Taichung City Hall has regained its former splendor. Visitors to the building can still smell the fragrance of century-old Taiwanese cypress.

The Taichung City Government stated that to revitalize the space, renowned afternoon tea businesses have been invited to set up shop, combining dining and cultural creativity. The first floor has been planned as a café, and the second floor as an art center. The two-story brick building at the back, which served as the Taichung Public Pawnshop during the Japanese colonial period, has been converted into a salon offering creative ice cream. The public can now visit starting today.

Taichung City Hall
Address: No. 97, Minquan Road, West District, Taichung City