Linyuan Anle Building Introduction
Anle Building, constructed around 1930, is a Baroque-style architecture that served as a Japanese military officers' club during the Japanese colonial period. It was later transformed into a restaurant and hotel, once a gathering place for merchants and literati, bustling with activity and charm, bearing witness to the glory of Linyuan. However, it eventually fell into ruin due to years of neglect. The site gained some fame as a popular Instagram spot after being featured in the Golden Bell Award-winning drama "A Touch of Green." During the Japanese rule, Linyuan was an important military base, with frequent interactions between soldiers and merchants. The old street of Linyuan Township (Fuxing Street) and the new street (Linyuan North Road) were the earliest and most prosperous areas of development. Anle Building is located in a small alley off Linyuan North Road; the main entrance has been demolished, and it can now only be accessed from the back. The inscription "Anle Building Restaurant" on the main plaque has faded, but the traces of the lettering are still visible. The building features an 'M' shape, blending Japanese garden style with Baroque architecture. The central staircase leading to the second floor is particularly representative and is also the best-preserved area inside. Many visitors take photos there. From various corners, remnants of the original design can still be seen, including about ten private rooms, restrooms, and washbasins on both floors, separated into male and female facilities, which were quite advanced for that time. The once-vibrant nightlife of the grand hotel is now a distant memory. The dilapidated Anle Building hides within the alleys of Linyuan, and its story is little known, even to many locals who are unaware of its existence. It wasn't until "A Touch of Green" was filmed here that this elegant and exquisite historical building came to the attention of a wider audience.
