Checheng Wood Industry Museum Introduction
Checheng flourished during the Japanese colonial period due to the transportation and trade of sugar, camphor, and timber, as well as the manpower and resources brought in for the construction of the Sun Moon Lake hydroelectric power project. In 1958, Mr. Sun Hai, chairman of the timber giant Zhenchang Industry, acquired logging rights in the Danda forestry area of Nantou, leveraging the area's convenient transportation. He purchased land in Checheng to establish a factory, engaging in timber production for both domestic and export markets. At its peak, over 2,000 jobs were created, leading to a second wave of prosperity for Checheng, which earned the nickname "Little Taipei" in conjunction with the surrounding Shui-li area. However, after the 1970s, forestry policy shifted towards reforestation and land conservation, and the sawmill industry faced difficulties continuing under government logging bans, leading many businesses to either close down or transform. Zhenchang Industry gradually turned to exporting bulk timber logs, and the sawmill had no further use, resulting in its abandonment. To enhance the tourism and recreational resources of the Checheng area and help visitors understand the past developments of the timber industry, the former factory, initially regarded as a valuable industrial heritage site, was reconstructed as the Checheng Timber Industry Exhibition Hall. Opened in June 2008, the exhibition hall provides visitors with insights into the once-thriving timber industry in Taiwan. Notably, the wooden framework of the old factory dates back to the early 20th century and was considered highly advanced in the 1950s. Therefore, in reconstructing the timber exhibition hall, a design philosophy of "overlapping the new and the old" was adopted, preserving the old framework. The old structure was restored as an exhibit within the creative hall of the timber industry, while new wooden frameworks were added on top of the old ones, creating an interesting juxtaposition of new and old wooden constructions within the same space. The complex support structures offer a dynamic experience and unique aesthetic appeal, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of history and progress of the times. At the exhibition hall, guests can not only tour the refurbished factory and experience the sawmilling scenes of the 1950s but also view various wood displays. Upon entering the exhibition space, visitors are greeted by the distinct fragrances of different types of wood, reminiscent of being immersed in a forest enjoying the cleansing effects of phytoncides. A visit to the Timber Industry Exhibition Hall offers greater understanding of Taiwan's forestry development.
