The residence was designated as a historical building by the Changhua County government in 2005.
It is one of the few high-ranking Japanese-style official residences preserved in the Beidou area.
The 228 Incident refers to the 1947 anti-government uprising in Taiwan that began in Taipei and spread across the island, leading to the White Terror period.
The building utilizes a 'waist-high' wall design typical of Japanese residences meant to promote air circulation in Taiwan's humid climate.
Many of the original structural elements, including the timber beams and floor joists, were preserved and reinforced during the conservation project.
The Beidou District Magistrate Residence serves as the Changhua County 228 and Human Rights Memorial Museum, preserving a significant piece of Japanese colonial administration architecture. Originally constructed in the 1920s to house the District Magistrate, the site was repurposed to document the 228 Incident's impact on local history and human rights in Taiwan. The complex features traditional Japanese wooden construction with tatami rooms, wide verandas, and a private garden. It is one of the few remaining official residences of its type in central Taiwan that has been systematically restored for public access. The interior exhibits archival documents, period photographs, and personal testimonies related to the political history of Changhua during the mid-20th century. Its restoration prioritized maintaining historical integrity, including original wood joinery and roof tiling techniques. Visitors can explore both the historical office environment and the commemorative exhibits centered on democratic transformation. The site serves as both an educational hub and a community cultural space.
The wide wooden veranda (engawa) overlooking the restored Japanese garden.
Remove your shoes before stepping onto the wooden flooring or tatami areas.
Check the official Facebook page for temporary closures related to community events.
Take time to read the bilingual signage to better understand the local political history of Changhua.
Do not attempt to touch or move the historic artifacts on display.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet volume within the memorial areas, respect the historical property, and no food or drink inside.
