Hsinchu Prefectural Hall (Hsinchu City Hall) Introduction
The Hsinchu Prefectural Hall is located on Zhongzheng Road in Hsinchu City, and it is now the Hsinchu City Government. After the Japanese army occupied Hsinchu in 1895, initial public construction mainly involved taking over Qing Dynasty public facilities. It wasn't until 1904 that local officials, including Zheng Rulan, requested a new prefectural building. The Hsinchu Prefectural Hall was not completed until 1925, and the main structure was put into use at the end of the following year. The hall is a two-story, M-shaped, reinforced brick building that combines Western and Eastern architectural styles. The main structure follows a Western style, while the roof features a sloped wooden structure typical of Eastern architecture. The entrance is characterized by a prominent portico with a dual-column design to enhance its ceremonial aspect and is complemented by two small towers, making the entire entrance quite striking. Inside the grand hall, one can see Western-style arcades and Roman columns, presenting an impressive ambiance. Currently, the Hsinchu City Government, in addition to preserving and restoring the main building of the Hsinchu Prefectural Hall, is repurposing the space according to contemporary needs, allowing the hall to be preserved in a "dynamic form," showcasing new vitality to the heritage site. The Hsinchu Prefectural Hall connects to several prominent landmark buildings and public spaces in the city center, combined with landscape renovations of the Zhongzheng Road pedestrian walkway, enhanced nighttime lighting, and street furniture installations. The streetscape of Hsinchu City has noticeably improved, incorporating art and music performances and encouraging public participation in cultural activities. A plaza has been planned in front of the city government, aiming to make the Hsinchu City Government Square a hub for cultural activities in the city. The Hsinchu City Government is actively promoting commercial activities in the surrounding area, maximizing the functional usability of the public spaces around the city government, and hopes that the Hsinchu Prefectural Hall will develop into a vibrant and culturally rich place for the citizens of Hsinchu.
