First Hotel Introduction
The First Guesthouse is an architectural structure from the Japanese colonial period, featuring a blend of Japanese and Western styles. The original guesthouse was built by the Japanese government in 1912 to commemorate the 223 servicemen who perished aboard the warship Matsushima during an explosion in the waters off Penghu in 1908. It served mainly as a lodging for the Japanese imperial family and high-ranking officials. In 1940, due to the construction of the first fishing port in Magong, the guesthouse was relocated to a high ground north of Guanyinting, offering a broader view. After World War II, the Nationalist government took over the guesthouse. Following the stay of President Chiang Kai-shek, the decor was transformed from Japanese style to Western style, and an underground wartime command center was constructed. During the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis (known as the 823 Artillery Battle), it became the center for planning combat operations. After President Chiang moved back to Taipei, it was renamed the "First Guesthouse". In 2011, after completing renovations on the main building, the First Guesthouse, which was designated as a county historic site, officially opened to the public. Today, visitors can see that the entrance's roof features a "Tang Bo" style structure, with the entrance floor and walls made from the unique shell sand of Penghu. The interior space showcases the living conditions of the "Chiang Residence," while the surrounding serene and elegant garden enhances the sophistication of this mixed-style architecture.
Exhibition of Old Photos