Bingwu Earthquake Memorial Introduction
The trajectory of post-disaster reconstruction - Taiwan frequently experiences earthquakes, and several severe tremors occurred during the Japanese colonial period. On March 17, 1906, at six o'clock in the morning, a major earthquake struck (the entire shaking lasted over four minutes), with the epicenter located between Minxiong and Meishan. There were numerous casualties among people and livestock, and buildings were severely damaged. Continuous aftershocks resulted in over 1,200 deaths. Most of the buildings in Chiayi City were destroyed by the earthquake. After the disaster, the authorities took the opportunity to plan a city rerouting project, which laid the foundation for today's Chiayi City. A stone tablet commemorating the earthquake was erected, possibly the first earthquake monument in Taiwan, written by Zhuang Borong. After World War II, it was renamed the "Youth Recreation Center," and in March 2001, the Cultural Bureau restored it. Construction of the site: Erected: 1906 (Meiji 39) Restoration: March 2001 (Republic of China 90)
