IT'S easy to make assumptions about Hsinchu at first glance. After all, the city is renowned for its thriving tech industry and the globally influential Hsinchu Science Park, which has earned it the nickname "Silicon Valley of Taiwan".
Hsinchu's reputation as a powerhouse of technological innovation — anchored by the Hsinchu Science Park and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) — has put Taiwan on the global map. These institutions have transformed Hsinchu into a critical node in the global tech ecosystem, fostering innovation, startups and world-class research that fuels Taiwan's economic growth and technological leadership.
However, beneath the modern skyline and bustling innovation lies a city steeped in history and cultural heritage.
Hsinchu is one of Taiwan's oldest cities, with roots that stretch back to the Qing Dynasty. Its historic landmarks, like the beautifully preserved East Gate (Yingxi Gate), offer glimpses into its storied past. The Hsinchu City God Temple, a revered spiritual site dating back to 1748, remains a bustling hub of worship and local traditions, surrounded by vibrant food stalls serving up authentic Taiwanese snacks.
As we walk through this city of contrasts — where the old intertwines seamlessly with the new—we stumble upon a nondescript building with flags fluttering gently in the breeze, proclaiming it to be the Hsinchu Image Museum.
Its colonial-era façade, distinct from the sleek, modern structures nearby, catches the eye, prompting curiosity about its origins. The building exudes a heritage charm, standing as a quiet reminder of Hsinchu's layered history. Intrigued, we step inside, eager to uncover the stories it holds and how this space bridges the city's past with its innovative present.
WELCOME TO AN OLD THEATRE
A group of elderly volunteers milling around the spartan lobby look up at us curiously, their quiet chatter momentarily silenced. From among them, a smiling elderly man rises slowly from his seat, his warmth immediately putting us at ease.
With a slight bow and in halting but enthusiastic English, he greets us, "Welcome… Welcome!" His genuine smile reflects a pride in this place, and as he gestures for us to enter further.
The architecture inside evokes memories of the old cinemas of yore, with its nostalgic charm and simple elegance. A balustrade staircase flanks both ends of the lobby, gracefully leading to the upper seating area. The faded grandeur of the space, with its high ceilings and vintage detailing, whispers of a time when cinema was a grand affair and theatres were community gathering points.
88-year-old retired teacher Guo Jun Xiong leads us into the cavernous theatre space, his steps slow but steady, a hint of pride in his movements. The room unfolds like a time capsule, its retro seating instantly transporting me to childhood days spent watching movies at Lido and Cathay cinemas. The flip-open rubber seats, worn but sturdy, evoke a warm nostalgia, each creak seemingly echoing with memories of audiences past.
"This building has seen two world wars," he tells us smiling, before unravelling the fascinating story of the Image Museum of Hsinchu City, which stands not just as a building, but as a testament to history, culture and resilience.
Originally constructed in 1933 as the Yule Theatre, the building was Taiwan's first air-conditioned cinema — a marvel of its time. Its unique architecture, blending ancient Roman and Arabian styles, made it a landmark in Hsinchu. After World War II, the cinema was renamed "Guomin Cinema" and became more than just a place for movies. It hosted concerts, military recruitment events and gatherings, embedding itself deeply into the daily lives and memories of Hsinchu's residents.
"I remember this cinema even when I was a little boy," he reminisces.
However, as the market changed, the cinema succumbed to competition and closed its doors in 1991, leaving behind an air of faded glory.
During the "National Festival of Culture and Arts" in 1996, the charm of the old theatre was rekindled through an event titled "Charm of the Wind City," stirring nostalgia and public interest. Thanks to the combined efforts of cultural groups and the local government, the theatre was reborn as the Image Museum of Hsinchu City in 2000.
Today, the Image Museum is much more than a relic of the past. It's a vibrant cultural hub, offering a space for citizens to explore film, history, and the arts. Monthly screenings showcase films under diverse themes, including works by independent Taiwanese directors. The museum also collaborates with film festivals to curate exhibitions and preserve film artefacts, keeping the legacy of cinema alive. history.
As Guo finishes his tale, his words linger in the dimly lit theatre, as if the very walls are absorbing them into their long history. The air feels heavy, charged with the echoes of bygone eras and the untold stories still waiting to emerge from the shadows.
We bid him goodbye, leaving him seated alone in the vast, silent space. His small frame seems dwarfed by the grandeur of the theatre, yet he belongs here — as much a part of its fabric as the flickering films it once played.
This isn't just a museum; it's a bridge between past and present, a keeper of memories, and a beacon lighting the way for Hsinchu's cultural future. And as we step out into the bustling city, the stillness of that moment lingers, a quiet reminder of the stories hidden in unexpected places.
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