The building was constructed in 1923 and originally served as the official residence for the head of the Huwei District Office during the Japanese colonial period.
The structure survived several decades of abandonment before being designated a historical building by the Yunlin County Government in 2006.
The architecture employs a traditional 'Shoin-zukuri' style, specifically designed to adapt to Taiwan's humid subtropical climate through raised flooring.
The site acts as an 'open museum' concept where community residents are trained to narrate local histories and personal anecdotes rather than relying solely on static placards.
The interior contains an original 'tokonoma' (a recessed alcove for displaying items) that remains preserved as part of the historical layout.
The house is an active participant in the Taiwan Story House alliance, which promotes the preservation of historic homes through cultural activities.
The Yunlin Story House is housed in a restored 1920s Japanese-style wooden official residence originally built for the Magistrate of Huwei County. It serves as a community hub dedicated to preserving local culture, Taiwanese folklore, and oral history through storytelling and workshops. The structure is a registered historical building featuring traditional cypress wood architecture and elevated floor construction common in colonial-era Japanese administrative housing. The facility hosts regular storytelling performances in both Mandarin and Taiwanese, often involving puppets or interactive props. Visitors can explore a collection of picture books, local publications, and heritage archives focused on Yunlin County's development. Educational exhibits highlight the agricultural roots of the surrounding Huwei region and the evolution of its local community. The site also functions as a venue for craft workshops and community-led art projects.
The front wooden veranda overlooking the Japanese-style garden provides the most authentic architectural perspective.
Check the official website or social media pages for the current calendar of storytelling sessions, as these change weekly.
Remove your shoes before entering the main wooden house area as part of the building preservation requirements.
Visit the neighboring Huwei Sugar Refinery or the nearby Huwei Iron Bridge for a comprehensive look at the town's industrial history.
Do not attempt to enter restricted archive rooms not marked for public access; avoid loud chatter during active storytelling performances.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the interior wooden spaces; maintain a quiet volume to respect the storytelling sessions.
