Taichung Literature Museum Introduction
Taichung Literature Museum was originally a police dormitory during the Japanese occupation. To revitalize this historical building, it officially opened to the public on August 26, 2016. The museum consists of six buildings, including a permanent exhibition hall, themed exhibition hall, seminar hall, themed restaurant, children's literature area, and administrative center. Centered around "Taichung Literature," it promotes local culture, integrating literature into daily life. The Taichung Literature Museum is the first public museum in Taichung dedicated to literature, making it a popular spot for the literary community. Located at the intersection of Liuchuan East Road and Zili Street, Taichung Literature Park covers an area of approximately 2,887 square meters, making it the first park in Taichung themed around literature. Within the park, you will find ancient Japanese-style buildings constructed from cypress wood, which were originally built in 1932 as a police dormitory and were at risk of being demolished before being preserved. Restoration work began in 2014, transforming the site into the Taichung Literature Museum to promote the works of local writers and cultivate the literary appreciation of citizens. The six buildings within the museum are planned for 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 fragrant scent of cypress wood fills the air, complemented by the sight of Japanese architecture, rustic wooden corridors, and lush garden landscapes. The environment is tranquil and serene, providing an illusion of being transported to the streets of Japan, making it a space rich in Japanese architecture and literary ambiance. At the center of the park stands a stunning ancient banyan tree, regarded as a must-see attraction at the Taichung Literature Museum. Standing approximately three stories high, its historical significance has led to a unique aerial root landscape that is visually striking, drawing many to take photos. Upon closer observation, visitors might discover an old bicycle left behind, entangled in the roots, symbolizing the enduring nature of the site amidst changing times and circumstances. In addition to the typical greenery and landscaping found in parks, Taichung Literature Park features thoughtful literary elements, such as a shadow wall, a book pavilion, and a Seed Literature Square. It also includes traditional games such as “Qushui Liushang,” historically used by scholars for poetry contests, and installations like “Old Wall Storytelling,” featuring frames of varying sizes embedded in brick walls, and “Ink Stain Poetry Wall,” which depicts a poem, "Little Grass," by Taichung writer Zhao Tianyi, making literature more accessible to everyone. Regular guided tours are also offered to help visitors learn about the park's cultural stories. The park is close to several notable attractions such as the Prefectural Hall, Military Drill Ground, and Fifth Market, and you can take advantage of the Taichung City iBike public bicycle rental service to explore the beauty of the city. Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays and national holidays). Address: 38 Lequn Street, West District, Taichung City. Contact number: 04-22240875. Guided tours: ■ Available □ Not Available ■ By reservation (weekday) Reservation phone: 04-22240875. ★ Weekday reservation for guided tours: Online reservation. Other services: ■ Creative cultural shop ■ Dining brand: NMU Literary Coffee.
