The barn utilizes an architectural technique known as 'wooden frame with reinforced concrete', designed to withstand the humid climate and typhoons of Northern Taiwan.
It was designated as a historical site by the Yilan County Government in 1998 to prevent its demolition.
The complex historically functioned as the Erjie branch of the Liou-Jie Farmers' Association, playing a pivotal role in the local rice economy.
The interior machinery displays the transition from manual, water-powered milling to electric-powered industrial processing.
The walls were constructed with thin-shell concrete, an innovative material for the time intended to provide fireproofing and temperature control for grain.
The Erjie Rice Barn is a historical industrial site located in Wujie Township, Yilan County, originally serving as a cooperative granary for local rice farmers. Constructed in the 1920s, it stands as one of the few surviving examples of traditional wooden architecture combined with reinforced concrete storage facilities from the Japanese colonial period. The structure functioned as a vital hub for rice processing, milling, and regional distribution until the decline of local grain production. Today, the facility operates as a community-managed cultural space and museum dedicated to preserving Taiwan's agricultural heritage. It serves as a living museum, showcasing the evolution of farming technology and the architectural techniques used in early 20th-century grain storage. The site remains a rare example of a functional, multi-part historical complex that blends industrial utility with heritage preservation. Visitors can observe the preserved milling machinery and the architectural layout that facilitated efficient grain handling. It is recognized for its role in Yilan's transition from an agricultural landscape to a center for cultural tourism.
The main entrance featuring the original timber structure and the classic, rusted industrial machinery displays.
Check the local community center website before visiting, as guided tours by volunteers often require advance notice.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the facility is located in a rural agricultural area surrounded by rice paddies.
Look for the interpretive plaques located near the original machinery to understand the step-by-step rice milling process.
Do not expect a high-tech or polished commercial museum experience; this is a rustic, community-run heritage site.
Closed on Mondays and major national holidays; may be limited to weekends for full facility access.
Avoid touching the preserved antique machinery and stay within marked pathways to protect the wooden flooring.
