Rijian Officer's Quarters Introduction
The Cypress Villa located in the indigenous Tsou tribe's Dabang village, known as the "Dabang Police Officer's Residence," is a historical relic that intertwines with a century of history in Chiayi County's Alishan Township. This elegant structure is entirely built from high-quality local alpine cypress wood and, despite the passage of time, its warm wooden architecture remains remarkably well-preserved, making it a rare and precious example of Japanese wooden construction in the Alishan area. As the only "guesthouse" in the original homeland during the Japanese colonial era, the relationship between the Tsou people and the Japanese was very good, with the Tsou referring to the Japanese as "Maya." The Dabang area was one of the first indigenous villages where the Japanese established an "education center for indigenous children," marking the beginnings of modern education for the Tsou. This residence is not just an ordinary police dormitory; it is the only "guesthouse" located in an indigenous area, specifically used to host high-ranking officials visiting the mountains. After World War II, this guesthouse was repurposed for the county magistrate's use, and although it underwent renovations, only the exterior is open for viewing, and the interior is not accessible. When visiting Dabang village, take a moment to slow down and quietly appreciate the elegant lines of this cypress building from the outdoors. In the tranquil atmosphere surrounded by mountains, experiencing the breath of this century-old history is an indispensable encounter for deeply exploring Alishan culture.
