Cypress Forest Living Village Introduction
The starting point of the Alishan Forest Railway is Beimen Station in Chiayi City, thus known as the gateway to Alishan. In the early days, the Alishan Forest Railway transported lumber down the mountain to Chiayi City, which stimulated the flourishing business of lumberyards and sawmills around Beimen Station, creating a scene of prosperity at that time and driving the development of nearby businesses. The Japanese-style houses built in the vicinity used cypress wood as their main material, a significant feature of Japanese architecture, and a testament to the history of Alishan forestry development. The Hinoki Village operates within the area on both sides of Linsen East Road, covering an area of 3.4 hectares. To the north is the area where the current "Yishin Erye Hall" is located, which was originally a dormitory complex for Japanese junior staff, while the southern area consisted of housing for high-ranking officials. After over sixty years, Hinoki Town has been restored using traditional Japanese construction methods and as many original materials as possible, with 29 wooden historical buildings preserved. After four years of renovation, the charm of Hinoki Village has been reborn. This place is not only the earliest forestry village in Taiwan but also hosts the most complete and extensive collection of Japanese official residences. The Forest Club, a city-designated historic site, was built around 1914 and served as a recreational venue for the Forestry Bureau of the Governor-General of Taiwan at that time. The architectural style imitates the Tudor-style of 17th-century England, with an indoor area of about 75 ping. In 1946, it was used as a hall for the Forestry Administration, and in 1948 it was transformed into the Zhongxiao Kindergarten. In 1984, it was borrowed by the Chiayi County Investigation Station of the Ministry of Justice for office use and was returned in 1987, subsequently becoming a dormitory for single employees of the Forestry Bureau. Today, it is listed as a city-designated historic site, carrying the memory of forestry history. "Sen Market," transformed from Yishin Erye Hall, collaborates with over 100 brands and agricultural associations across Taiwan, providing high-quality products directly from the source. It also partners with a rural magazine that has been active for over 40 years, finding agricultural products that resonate with consumers through compelling farmer stories. The exhibition utilizes materials from the magazine's content, creating a three-dimensional display that consumers encounter upon entering Yishin Erye Hall, allowing them to connect more deeply with agricultural products and experience a journey of being touched by the land!
