Hsinchu City Hall Introduction
The Hsinchu Prefectural Hall is located on Zhongzheng Road in Hsinchu City, which is now the Hsinchu City Government. After the Japanese forces occupied Hsinchu in 1895, the initial public infrastructure mainly involved the takeover of Qing Dynasty public facilities. It wasn't until 1904 that Hsinchu County Council member Zheng Rulan and others requested the construction of a new office building. The Hsinchu Prefectural Hall was completed in 1925 and the main structure was put into use by the end of the following year. The hall has two floors and is a reinforced brick building with an M-shaped floor plan. Its architectural style is a blend of Western and Eastern elements; the main structure is of Western style, and the roof features a sloped wooden structure typical of Eastern architecture. The prominent entrance features a grand porch designed with double columns to enhance its ceremonial aspect, complemented by two small towers, making the entire entrance quite striking. Inside the main hall, one can see Western-style arcades and Roman columns, exuding grandeur. Currently, in addition to preserving the restoration of the Hsinchu Prefectural Hall's main structure, the space is planned for regeneration based on contemporary needs, allowing the hall to be preserved in a "dynamic form" that showcases new vitality in this historic site. The Hsinchu Prefectural Hall connects with several prominent landmark buildings and public spaces in the central city area. Coupled with the landscape renovation project of the pedestrian walkway on Zhongzheng Road, which enhances nighttime lighting and street furniture, the streetscape of Hsinchu City has seen significant improvement. Furthermore, it integrates art, music performances, and citizen participation in cultural activities, with plans to set up a plaza in front of the city government, aiming for it to become a hub for cultural activities in Hsinchu City. The Hsinchu City Government is actively revitalizing surrounding commercial activities to enhance public utility in the areas surrounding the city hall, with the hope that the Hsinchu Prefectural Hall will develop into a vibrant and culturally rich place for the citizens of Hsinchu City.
