Historic 'Former Taichung Prefectural Farmers' Association Tianzhong Warehouse' — Restoration of Four Japanese-Style Granaries Completed, Reviving Cultural Heritage

Changhua County’s cultural heritage gains a new highlight! The restoration of the historic 'Former Taichung Prefectural Farmers' Association Tianzhong Warehouse' has been successfully completed. On the morning of May 5, the Changhua County Government held a completion ceremony. County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei, Deputy Director Nian Zhen-yu of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, along with local representatives, farmers’ association delegates, and community leaders, attended the event to witness the revival of these historically and culturally significant Japanese-style granaries.

Magistrate Wang emphasized that preserving cultural assets goes beyond restoring buildings—it is about safeguarding a city’s historical narrative and collective memory. Located within the Tianzhong Rice Milling Factory, this historic site is a representative agricultural warehouse from the late Japanese colonial period. The main structure is wooden, featuring board-and-batten siding and buttresses. Some gable walls have been reinforced with reinforced concrete. Notably, the roof trusses employ a rare Belgian truss system, minimizing the need for supporting pillars—an exceptionally rare and valuable architectural feature for Japanese-style granaries. The site comprises seven buildings in total, all designated as historic architecture by the county government in 2005. This project has now restored four of these granaries to their former glory.

Magistrate Wang stated that cultural assets carry not only architectural value but also local history and shared memories. This restoration ensures these precious cultural legacies are passed on to future generations. The county completed preliminary research in 2008, but due to severe structural damage, the Changhua Farmers’ Association initiated planning and design in 2020. The county government then actively sought central government support. In 2021, the Bureau of Cultural Heritage approved a subsidy for four buildings (A3, A4, B2, B3), with a total budget of NT$82 million. Under cultural heritage regulations, the Ministry of Culture funded 65% (NT$53.3 million), the county government contributed 30% (NT$24.6 million) with support from the County Council led by Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin, and the Farmers’ Association self-funded 5% (NT$4.1 million). This public-private collaboration enabled the project’s success. Construction began in September 2023 and was completed in December 2025, with final inspection passed in May 2026.

Magistrate Wang expressed hope that the restored site will preserve invaluable historical and cultural memories while showcasing its distinctive wooden architecture. She believes it has strong potential to become a popular tourist destination and a new cultural landmark. She also looks forward to the Farmers’ Association leveraging Tianzhong’s local characteristics to create an excellent platform for promoting high-quality agricultural products from Changhua County.

Deputy Director Nian Zhen-yu of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage praised Magistrate Wang’s administration for its proactive budgeting and co-funding efforts in recent years, resulting in fruitful and forward-looking cultural heritage restoration projects. He noted that the once-dilapidated granaries have now transformed into a beautiful space of significant historical and artistic value. However, he emphasized that post-restoration activation is key. He hopes the Changhua Farmers’ Association will maximize the value of this restored space by developing it into a cultural and creative park or a startup hub for young entrepreneurs.

Tianzhong Township Mayor Hsiao Shu-fen expressed gratitude to Magistrate Wang and her team for securing NT$82 million in 2023 to restore the four historic buildings. She hopes the site can integrate with local agriculture and industries, becoming a base for young farmers and cultural activities—a new highlight for the community. With a planned TRA tourist branch line in the future, she believes the site can drive tourism and contribute to Tianzhong’s continued progress.

Changhua Farmers’ Association General Manager Lu Pei-chen stated that, as Magistrate Wang noted, Changhua has long been known as the 'granary' of Taiwan, and Tianzhong has been a vital hub for rice trading. She expressed deep gratitude to Magistrate Wang and Deputy Director Nian for their strong support of the local agricultural innovation park. Going forward, the association aims to use this site as a base to help more farmers achieve higher incomes.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Tianzhong Warehouse has been entrusted by the Changhua Farmers’ Association to 'Dongjia Development and Management Consulting Co., Ltd.', which has transformed it into a new cultural space called 'Gu Cang Qi Yi' (Art from the Granary). Officially opening in August, this space integrates art, horticulture, hands-on experiences, and lifestyle culture. It serves as a platform connecting art, plants, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and local exchange. Through diverse exhibitions and events, it aims to showcase how art can enrich everyday life. To celebrate the opening, 'Gray Bear Green Exhibition' has curated the 'Wild Pottery Festival' from August 14 to 16, inviting 105 ceramic artists to display their works. This rich display of pottery and creative exchange adds artistic brilliance to the opening. The public is warmly invited to visit, experience the charm of ceramic art up close, and feel the warm atmosphere where art and land intertwine. For more information, visit the official Facebook page: https://reurl.cc/beExbr.