Hsinchu Prefectural Hall (Hsinchu City Hall) Introduction
Hsinchu State Hall is located on Zhongzheng Road in Hsinchu City, which is now the Hsinchu City Government. After the Japanese army occupied Hsinchu in 1895, initial public constructions were mostly inherited from the Qing Dynasty's public facilities. It wasn't until 1904 that Hsinchu Prefectural Councilor Cheng Rulan and others requested the construction of a new hall, which was completed in 1925, with the main building activated at the end of the following year. The Hsinchu State Hall is a two-story, M-shaped brick building featuring a mix of Western and Eastern architectural styles, with a Western-style body and an Eastern-style sloped roof made of wooden framework and tiles. The entrance design is highlighted by a protruding porch with double columns to enhance ceremonial significance, accompanied by two small towers, making the entire entrance quite prominent. Inside the grand hall, there are Western-style arches and Roman columns, creating an impressive atmosphere. Currently, the Hsinchu City Government not only preserves the restoration of the Hsinchu State Hall's main structure but also plans regenerative developments to adapt the space to current needs, allowing the Hsinchu State Hall to be preserved in a "dynamic form," showcasing new vitality for the historical site. The Hsinchu State Hall connects to several notable landmark buildings and public spaces in the downtown area, combined with the landscape renovation project of the Zhongzheng Road pedestrian walk, enhancing nighttime lighting and street furniture facilities. There have been significant improvements in the streetscape of Hsinchu City, along with the integration of art and music performances and citizen participation in cultural activities. The city government plans to create a plaza in front of the city hall, hoping to make the Hsinchu City Hall Plaza a hub for cultural activities in the city. The Hsinchu City Government actively promotes surrounding business activities, utilizing the public space around the city hall, with the expectation that the Hsinchu State Hall will develop into a vibrant place full of artistic flair and energy for the citizens of Hsinchu City.
