Ethnic Music Museum (General Sun Li-jen's Residence) Introduction
The Ethnic Music Museum was originally an Air Force Guesthouse and the residence of General Sun Li-jen. Covering an area of 1,017 ping, it was built around 1937 and reflects the architectural features of the Japanese colonial era, blending Japanese and Western styles, making it one of Pingtung City's important cultural heritage sites. After being taken over by the Pingtung County Government, it was transformed into the Ethnic Music Museum with a vision to promote indigenous music. The space has been planned to include an outdoor performance area, a garden café, a cultural exhibition hall, a small performance theater, and a collection room, allowing visitors to enjoy coffee and listen to melodious music. The museum is expansive and lush, and its buildings are unique historical constructions made of cedar, cypress, and lauan. During its time as an Air Force Guesthouse and General Sun Li-jen's residence, the front building served as a two-story Western-style villa for entertaining guests, while the rear building was a Japanese-style residence for daily living, both of which remain in good condition today. Due to the scarcity of notable historical buildings in Pingtung City and the potential demolition of the Sun Li-jen residence because of urban development, it was restored as the Ethnic Music Museum to preserve its legacy and promote local music culture. The museum studies music genres including Hengchun folk songs, Manchurian folk songs, Hakka mountain songs, and indigenous ballads. It also strengthens collaboration and exchanges with music associations, local cultural and historical societies, music departments, and cultural workers, continuously encouraging music creation and developing diverse musical forms.
