Hsinchu Prefectural Office (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, early public construction largely involved the reception of public facilities from the Qing Dynasty. It wasn't until 1904 that Hsinchu Prefectural Council member Zheng Rulan and others requested the construction of a new office building. The Hsinchu Prefectural Office was completed in 1925 and its main structure was put into use at the end of the following year. The building has two stories, in a reinforced brick structure with an M-shaped footprint, featuring a mixed style of Western and Eastern architecture. The main structure is in Western style, while the roof is a sloped wooden framework covered with tiles, typical of Eastern architecture. The main entrance is designed with a prominent portico, utilizing a double-column style to enhance its ceremonial nature, complemented by two small towers, making the entire entrance quite striking. Inside the grand hall, one can see a Western-style arcade and Roman columns, creating a splendid atmosphere. Currently, besides preserving and restoring the physical structure of the Hsinchu Prefectural Office, the Hsinchu City Government plans for its space to adapt to current needs, allowing for a "dynamic preservation" that showcases new vitality in the heritage site. The Hsinchu Prefectural Office is connected to several prominent landmark buildings and public spaces in the city center, with improvements including the landscape renovation of the Zhongzheng Road pedestrian walkway, enhanced nighttime lighting, and street furniture facilities, resulting in significant improvements to the street scenery in Hsinchu City. Additionally, it integrates arts, music performances, and community participation in cultural activities, planning a square in front of the city government, aspiring for the Hsinchu City Government Square to become a hub of cultural activities in the city. The Hsinchu City Government is actively revitalizing surrounding commercial activities, aiming to maximize the functionality of public spaces around the Hsinchu City Government and expecting the Hsinchu Prefectural Office to develop into a lively and culturally rich place for Hsinchu citizens.
