The building was originally designed to act as the primary firefighting watchtower for the Huwei region.
During the Japanese occupation, the structure coordinated both police and fire protection services under one roof.
The four-story watch tower was the tallest point in the township upon its completion in 1939.
The structure serves as a prime example of the 'Joint Office' architectural concept prevalent in 1930s colonial Taiwan.
The current tenant, Eslite Bookstore, retains the original high ceilings and historical layout of the main hall.
Huwei Joint Office Building is a historic Japanese-colonial era structure in Yunlin County, defined by its distinctive four-story watch tower. Constructed in 1939, it served as a multifunctional government hub housing police, firefighting, and local administration services. The architecture blends modernist elements with utilitarian design suitable for early 20th-century civic operations. Following decades of neglect, the building underwent significant renovation and now houses a branch of Eslite Bookstore and a Starbucks. The upper level preserves original architectural details, including exposed reinforced concrete and functional watch tower apertures. It functions today as a cultural landmark within the Huwei township urban core.
From the street corner looking up toward the watch tower to capture the full vertical symmetry of the facade.
Combine your visit with the nearby Huwei Sugar Factory for a full historical tour of the township.
Check out the secondary floors for quieter reading nooks if the ground floor bookstore area is crowded.
Visit the outdoor courtyard area to see how the modern signage integrates with the preserved 1930s facade.
Do not attempt to climb the internal watch tower, as the upper levels are often restricted for structural safety.
Maintain a quiet tone inside the bookstore areas; respect the preserved historical features by not leaning on or touching older wall surfaces.
