Lynda's Taiwan-logue

Restored to its current status as a municipal historic site, the architectural icon aspires to be a 'residence of knowledge', possibly why its Chinese name '知事'官邸 plays on the similar sounding '知识' (knowledge).  Managed by the same team behind Hayashi Department Store, members of the public can enjoy a free and leisurely tour of the premises, shop at the specialty retail or chill out at the cafe.

Always interested in places with a history, I came one late afternoon with four elders, and spent slightly over an hour sightseeing and shopping. Pity about not patronising the cafe this time, which could have been a leisurely way to spend another one to two hours here - reason for a revisit another time.    

Please be gentle to this old building and respect the regulations stipulated here (such as the floor's capacity) to contribute to an enjoyable visit for everybody.  

One of the honoured visitors in history was Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa), who now appears in the building in the form of standees and photos. 

Commemorative stamps for hobbyists like myself - I've completed a booklet of these from all over Taiwan and geared up for a second.  

The specialty retail offers a fascinating range of merchandise, including local brands you can find at other popular Tainan attractions. If you imagine prices to be touristy-high at such places, there are surprisingly good affordable items.  

A glimpse of the cafe, which I'll leave for another visit...

The outdoors are lovely to enjoy when the weather is not scorching hot... apparent from how comfortable this local lady looked.    

A carpentry workshop, elsewhere in the premises...  

While you are here, check out this underground walkway, a short distance opposite the building. 

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Old Tainan Magistrate Residence | 台南知事官邸
Website in Chinese, English and Japanese
Address --- No. 1 Weimin Street, East District  东区卫民街一号

檢視較大的地圖

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