Hsinchu State Hall (Hsinchu City Government) Introduction
The Hsinchu Prefectural Office is located on Zhongzheng Road in Hsinchu City, which is now the Hsinchu City Government. After the Japanese army occupied Hsinchu in 1895, the initial public construction largely involved repurposing Qing Dynasty public facilities. It wasn't until 1904 that the Hsinchu Prefectural Council member Zheng Rulan and others requested the construction of a new office building. The Hsinchu Prefectural Office was completed in 1925, with the main structure being put into use by the end of the following year. The building has two stories, a reinforced brick structure in a "M" shape, and exhibits a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles. The main body features a Western style, while the roof utilizes a slanted wooden framework covered with tiles typical of Eastern architecture. The entrance is marked by a prominent porch designed with double columns, enhancing its ceremonial aspect, and is flanked by two small towers, making the entire entrance quite striking. Inside the main hall, one can see Western-style arches and Roman columns, giving it a grand appearance. Currently, in addition to preserving the original structure of the Hsinchu Prefectural Office, the Hsinchu City Government is reimagining the space to meet contemporary needs, allowing for a "dynamic preservation" that showcases new vitality in this historical monument. The Hsinchu Prefectural Office is connected to various notable landmarks and public spaces in the city center. With the landscape improvements along Zhongzheng Road, including enhanced nighttime lighting and street furniture, the urban landscape of Hsinchu City has significantly improved, integrating art and music performances as well as community participation in cultural activities. A plaza is planned in front of the city government, hoping to establish the Hsinchu City Government Plaza as a central hub for cultural events in the city. The Hsinchu City Government is actively promoting surrounding commercial activities, maximizing the public utility of the area around the city government. There is an expectation for the Hsinchu Prefectural Office to become a vibrant place filled with artistic flair and energy for the citizens of Hsinchu City.