Shengping Theater Introduction
The "Shengping Theater" originated in 1916 as a wooden stage next to the old market, primarily featuring Taiwanese opera and accommodating around 300 to 400 people. In 1927, the stage collapsed due to age, and the operator built a theater on the same site in 1934, covering an area of approximately 200 ping, making it the largest theater in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. However, due to a significant population decline in Jiufen, it ceased operations in 1986. Its unique architecture made it a filming location for many movies, including "Duo Sang," "A City of Sadness," and "Blue Mountain Coffee," which captured classic scenes. Not only is it the oldest theater in Northern Taiwan, but it is also a must-visit attraction for tourists in Jiufen. Initially a wooden structure, the theater was renovated in the 1960s to feature hollow walls, with surrounding buildings established during the Japanese era. It has been a popular filming location for artists, and the New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau and Tourism Bureau restored this historical building, reviving its function as a cinema. The interior showcases an old projector donated by the Wu family and has been arranged by Mr. Lai from the Jiufen Local Museum to reflect the atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, making visitors feel as if they are in an old theater. Currently, part of the operation of Shengping Theater is managed by the New Taipei City Gold Museum.
