Historic places of Tainan City West Central District (part IV)

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is commonly known as the "Capital City" due to its more than 200 years of history as the capital of Taiwan under the rule of Koxinga and later the Qing Dynasty. The city's complex history of resurgence, redefinition, and renewal has earned it the popular nickname "Phoenix City." As Taiwan's oldest urban area, Tainan was established by the Dutch East India Company as a ruling and trading base known as Fort Zeelandia during the Dutch colonial period. The city's previous name, Tayouan, is believed to be the origin of the name "Taiwan."

Tainan is also regarded as one of Taiwan's cultural capitals, renowned for its rich folk cultures, including its famous street food and traditional cuisine. It has diligently preserved Taoist rituals and a wide range of living local traditions that encompass various aspects of life, from childbirth to funerals. The city is home to Taiwan's first Confucian school-temple, constructed in 1665, as well as remnants of the Eastern and Southern gates of the old city and numerous other historical landmarks.

National Museum of Taiwan Literature (國立臺灣文學館)

The National Taiwan Literature Museum is the first national-level literature museum in Taiwan. It is located in the former Tainan State Hall of the National Monument in the Central and Western District of Tainan City. Along with the museum, the site also houses the Cultural Asset Preservation Research Center of the Cultural Assets Bureau of the Ministry of Culture.

The establishment of the National Taiwan Literature Museum began in August 1997 with the establishment of the "Preparation Office of the Cultural Assets Preservation Research Center" by the Cultural Construction Committee of the Executive Yuan. The restoration project was completed in late 2002, and the museum was officially opened on October 17, 2003. In 2007, it was officially named the "National Taiwan Literature Museum."

The historic building that houses the museum was originally a residence of the Tainan Hall during the Japanese occupation period. Designed by an assistant of architect Moriyama Matsuke, it underwent renovations after being damaged during World War II. It served as the "Air Force Supply Command" and later became the Tainan City Government Office.

See also: Historic places of Tainan City (part III)

Tainan City Fire Museum (原臺南合同廳舍)

The Tainan City Fire Museum is housed in the original Tainan Contract Office Building, which was a joint office building constructed during the Japanese occupation period in Tainan City. It's now recognized as a historic monument in Tainan City. Initially, only the central tower was built, and later the building was expanded to include additional sections. During the Japanese occupation, the building housed the fire department office (left wing), police hall (right wing), and Jincho police station (end). After the war, the building was repurposed and used as the second branch of the Tainan City Fire Brigade (left wing) and the Minsheng Police Station (end) of the 2nd Division of the 1st Brigade (Right Wing). The Minsheng Police Station was abolished in 2003. Following renovations, a portion of the space now serves as the "Tainan City Fire History Museum," while the fire brigade continues to operate from the building.

The construction of the central tower took place in 1930 to commemorate the ascension of Emperor Showa. At the time, it was called the "Yu Dadian Memorial Tower" and included a dedicated section for the fire brigade. It was the tallest building in the urban area of Tainan and later served as a fire observation deck. In 1937, a "contract hall" reinforced with bricks was added on both sides of the tower, providing space for a fire station, police hall, and Jincho police station.

The Tainan Municipal Government designated the building as a monument on June 26, 1998. In 2015, repair work commenced, which involved the removal of white paint from the outer walls and the restoration of the north-side arcade's original appearance. The restoration project was completed, and the building reopened on April 15, 2019, as the Tainan City Fire History Pavilion.

See also: Historic places of Tainan City North District

Tang Dezhang Memorial Park (湯德章紀念公園)

The Tang Dezhang Memorial Park adopted a ring design influenced by European architectural styles during the Japanese occupation period. It was a central hub for important official buildings such as the Tainan Municipal Center, Tainan State Office, and Contract Office. Initially known as "Kodama Park" due to the presence of a bronze statue of Governor-General Kotaro Taro, it was later renamed the Tang Dezhang Memorial Park in honor of Tang Dezhang, an executed lawyer. The park is located in an area with a high density of historic sites and is considered an essential part of Tainan's sightseeing experience.

Address:

1. National Museum of Taiwan Literature: 700台南市中西區湯德章大道1號國立臺灣文學館
2. Tainan City Fire Museum: 700台南市中西區中正路2-1號原臺南合同廳舍
3. Tang Dezhang Memorial Park: 700台南市中西區民生路一段6號湯德章紀念公園