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Taiwan's sole remaining 100-year-old Tainan landmark to reopen as arts venue

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Tainan's historic former prison buildings, known as the Yaodao Hall, will reopen on August 1 as the "Yaodao, Quan Theater."
  • The century-old Japanese-style wooden structure, one of only four of its kind remaining in Taiwan, has been restored over four years.
  • It will transform from a static historical site into a dynamic arts and performance space, aiming to become a new cultural landmark for the city.

Tainan's historic "Yaodao Hall," a century-old Japanese-style wooden building that once served as a judicial site, is set to be reborn as the "Yaodao, Quan Theater" on August 1. After more than four years of restoration, the building, which carries Tainan's judicial memory, will transition from a historical monument into a vibrant space for arts and performances.

The "Quan" in the theater's name is derived from "Quan Town," the early name for the area where the Tainan Prison was located. The "Yaodao" part comes from the site's precious Japanese martial arts hall, the "Yaodao Hall." This wooden martial arts hall is one of only four such structures remaining in Taiwan, holding significant cultural heritage value and preserving a century of historical appearance.

Mayor Huang Wei-che stated that ancient sites should not just preserve history but also become cultural living rooms for the public. The reopening of the Yaodao Hall marks a milestone in the restoration of the former Tainan Prison's wooden structures, allowing the historic building to continue telling its stories and showcase new vitality for a new generation.

The ancient sites should not just preserve history but also become cultural living rooms for the public.

— Huang Wei-cheMayor Huang Wei-che on the reopening of the historic Yaodao Hall.

To celebrate the reopening, the first day will feature a traditional Nanyin music performance by the Nan Sheng Society and a lecture on "Walking Through Tainan's Quan Town Past and Present with Old Photos" by "Ju Zhen Taiwan." The following day will host a "Restless Flutist: A Day of Sound at Yaodao Hall" concert by the Viva Flute Ensemble, utilizing the wooden building's natural acoustics for an immersive musical experience.

Looking ahead, the "Yaodao, Quan Theater" aims to become a regular performance venue, integrating with Tainan's arts festivals and cultural activities. It plans to host resident art groups and, in conjunction with other historic spaces within the complex like the director's dormitory and official residences, introduce dining, retail, and lifestyle elements to create a historical district that blends culture, art, and daily life.

The 'Quan' in the theater's name is derived from 'Quan Town,' the early name for the area where the Tainan Prison was located. The 'Yaodao' part comes from the site's precious Japanese martial arts hall, the 'Yaodao Hall.'

— Huang YalingTainan City Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Huang Yaling explaining the theater's name.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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