Camphor Bureau Introduction
Camphor, sugar, and tea are collectively known as the three treasures of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty. The initial prosperity of Jiji Market was closely related to the extraction of camphor. The term "shucchang" originally means business trip in Japanese. During the Showa era of Japanese rule, the Japanese government implemented a camphor monopoly system and established the "Jiji Camphor Shucchang" in 1898 (the 31st year of the Meiji era) to handle camphor extraction and sales within a designated area. At that time, camphor was mainly produced through the "Naozao" method, where camphor trees were distilled using firewood, taking about 24 hours. After cooling, the camphor vapor formed white solid camphor sand and camphor oil, which were then sent to the shucchang by porters and transported to the main factory in Taipei for refinement before becoming the final product. After the Kuomintang government relocated to Taiwan, the camphor industry declined, and the shucchang lost its original function. It was once used as a dormitory for employees of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Bureau. Now over a hundred years old, it is the only remaining camphor shucchang in Taiwan and holds significant historical and cultural value. The building can be divided into three parts: the office on the right side and the dormitory or hall on the left, both of which are traditional wooden Japanese-style structures. The symmetrical and simple main entrance features a wooden-roofed entrance pavilion with double columns. The main gate is a double-opening gate, showcasing a clean and minimalist architectural style, while the left dormitory follows a Japanese-style hall design. These buildings are interconnected, forming a Japanese architectural style that emphasizes the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a simple, bright, and open spatial characteristic. Currently, the camphor shucchang is managed by the Jiji Township Office, commissioned by the National Property Administration. The office will continue to seek grants for the restoration of the park in phases and has planned the area as the "Jiji Cultural Industry Park," periodically hosting various cultural activities and seeking artists to reside, revitalizing the park's connotation and charm through culture and art.
