Taichung Literature Museum Introduction
Taichung Literature Museum was originally a police dormitory during the Japanese colonial period. To revitalize this historical building, it was opened to the public on August 26, 2016, consisting of six buildings, including a permanent exhibition hall, a themed exhibition hall, a lecture hall, a themed restaurant, a children's literature area, and an administrative center. Focusing on "Taichung Literature," the museum promotes local culture, bringing literature into daily life. It is the first public museum in Taichung themed around literature and a great spot for literature enthusiasts. Located at the intersection of Liuchuan East Road and Zili Street, the Taichung Literature Park covers an area of about 2,887 square meters and is the first park in Taichung themed around literature. Upon entering the park, visitors can see an ancient Japanese-style building constructed of cypress wood, which is part of a group of police dormitories built in 1932 during the Japanese colonial era. This site was originally a dilapidated ruin scheduled for demolition but was preserved through various rescue efforts. Restoration work began in 2014 to transform it into the Taichung Literature Museum, promoting the works of local writers and fostering literary appreciation among citizens. The six buildings are planned to feature permanent exhibitions, themed exhibitions, children's literature exhibitions, themed restaurants, and related performances and lectures to explore more possibilities in literature. Strolling through the park, the scent of cypress trees fills the air, and the sight of Japanese-style architecture, quaint wooden corridors, and lush landscaping creates a tranquil atmosphere that feels reminiscent of streets in Japan. In the center of the park stands a remarkable old banyan tree, regarded as a must-see attraction at the Taichung Literature Museum. The tree reaches about three stories high, and due to its long history, it has formed a unique aerial root landscape that is visually striking, attracting many visitors to take photos. Notably, one can also spot an old bicycle left by a previous occupant, entwined in the roots, evoking a profound sense of the passage of time and change. In addition to the typical green landscaping found in parks, Taichung Literature Park features thoughtful literary elements such as a shadow wall, a book nook pavilion, a seed literature square, the ancient game "Qu Shui Liu Shang" used by literati for poetry and wine, and the "Old Wall Storytelling" with framed displays of varying sizes. These designs aim to bring literature closer to everyday life, complemented by regular guided tours revealing the park's cultural stories. The park is also adjacent to several notable attractions such as the Prefectural Hall, Martial Arts Stadium, and the Fifth Market, and visitors can use the Taichung iBike rental service to leisurely explore the beauty of the city. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays and national holidays) Address: No. 38, Lequn St, West District, Taichung City Contact number: 04-22240875 Guided tours: ■ Available □ Not available ■ Reservation required (weekdays) Reservation phone: 04-22240875 ★ Online reservations for weekday guided tours. Other services: ■ Creative cultural shop ■ Food brand: NMU Literary Coffee
