Xingqi Memorial Hall Introduction
The red brick and black tile structure, known as the Douliu Prince Hirohito Commemoration Hall, commemorates the visit of Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan to Taiwan and serves as an important gathering space for the citizens of Douliu City. Built in a traditional Japanese style with red bricks and black tiles, it hosts a local farmers' market in the square every Sunday. The memorial hall is bright and spacious, while the other auxiliary buildings are small and elegant, making it a must-visit place in Douliu. The establishment of the hall stems from the need to commemorate Crown Prince Hirohito's visit to Taiwan, referred to as "ko-ko" by the Japanese, with notable visits known as "gyoko" for the Emperor and "gyoki" for the Crown Prince or Empress. The Douliu Prince Hirohito Commemoration Hall was established in 1926, initiated by local gentlemen, including Wu Ke-ming, along with donations from local residents and government funding, and has a history of over 90 years. It serves both as a memorial to the events of Crown Prince Hirohito's visit and as a public building for residents to gather, catering to the community's needs for public meeting spaces (gatherings, learning, banquets, performances). After the retrocession, the hall was leased to various entities, including the "Underground Water Company," "Chiayi Supervisory Station Douliu Branch," and the "Military and Civil Service Welfare Goods Center."
