Taichung Literature Museum Introduction
The Taichung Literature Museum was originally a police dormitory during the Japanese colonial period. To revitalize this historical building, it officially opened on August 26, 2016, comprising six structures, including a permanent exhibition hall, a themed exhibition hall, a seminar room, a themed restaurant, a children's literature area, and an administrative center. Focusing on "Taichung Literature," the museum promotes local culture and integrates literature into everyday life. It is the first public museum in Taichung themed around literature and serves as a popular leisure destination for literature enthusiasts. Located at the intersection of Liuchuan East Road and Zili Street, Taichung Literature Park covers an area of approximately 2,887 square meters. It is Taichung's first park dedicated to literature. Upon entering the park, visitors can see ancient Japanese-style buildings constructed from cypress wood, which were built in 1932 as a dormitory for police during the Japanese rule. Originally facing demolition, this site was saved through various efforts and began restoration in 2014, transforming into the Taichung Literature Museum to promote the works of local writers and cultivate a deeper literary appreciation among citizens. The six structures are planned to host permanent exhibitions, themed exhibitions, children's literature displays, themed restaurants, and related performances and seminars to explore the possibilities of literature further. Strolling through the park, one is greeted by the fragrant scent of cypress wood, striking Japanese architecture, rustic wooden corridors, and landscaped greenery. The tranquil environment creates an illusion of being in the streets of Japan, making it a space rich in Japanese architecture and literary ambiance. At the center of the park stands an impressive old banyan tree, considered a must-see feature of the Taichung Literature Museum. This banyan tree reaches about three stories in height and, due to its long history, has developed a unique aerial root structure that is visually spectacular. Many visitors come here to take photos, and if one looks closely, they can find an old bicycle left by a previous owner, entwined by the roots, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for the permanence of nature amidst changing times. In addition to the usual green landscaping typical of parks, Taichung Literature Park features clever literary elements such as a shadow wall, a book nook pavilion, and a seed literature square, along with traditional games for poetry and entertainment like "Qu Shui Liu Shang" (a game involving passing wine cups along a flowing river) and "Old Wall Storytelling," which is a brick wall embedded with frames of various sizes. The wall contains a poem titled "Little Grass" by the Taichung writer Zhao Tianyi, known as the "Ink Stain Poem Wall," making literature more accessible to everyone. Regular guided tours are also offered to help the public understand the cultural stories of the park. Nearby, there are several notable attractions such as the Prefectural Hall, Martial Arts Grounds, and the Fifth Market, where visitors can use the Taichung iBike public bicycle 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 ★ Weekday guided tours: Online reservation. Other Services: ■ Creative cultural shop ■ Dining brand: NMU Literary Coffee.
