Entering an old Japanese house: an encounter between culture and time

Taitung is not only synonymous with mountains and seas, but also has a special "artistic smell" hidden in a corner of the city, quietly shining.
When it comes to the place with the strongest smell, we have to mention [Baocheng Art Center]
A literary and artistic base that turned the old dormitory during the Japanese occupation into a cultural exhibition space.

When you walk in here, you don't need too much planning, you just need to slow down and let time and art ferment naturally in the old house.

🏯 Historical buildings × new life: the gorgeous transformation of the old dormitory
The Baocheng Art Center was formerly a dormitory for police officers during the Japanese occupation. It is located at the intersection of Baosang Road and Zhongshan Road. The Japanese-style wooden building, tile roof, and lattice windows are full of Showa atmosphere. After restoration, it has been built into a multi-functional cultural exhibition center, hosting various exhibitions such as photography, illustration, crafts, and installations, and local artists have also moved in to create.

In this old building, every window, every corridor, and even the wood grain cracks on the wall retain traces of time. The fusion of new and old is not abrupt, but instead becomes a deep dialogue.

🎨 Art Exhibition & Creative Workshop × Connection with Contemporary Taitung
The Baoding Art Center changes its exhibition theme every season. In the past, it has exhibited aboriginal cultural photography, local illustrators’ joint exhibitions, and also held hand-made workshops, book clubs, poetry recitations and art lectures. It is diverse in form and free in style. It is one of the few urban spaces in Taitung that focuses on art and culture.

When you visit, you may want to check out what the current exhibition is. You will often be surprised to find that there are so many outstanding artists in Taitung who record the land, emotions and times through their works.

☕ The aroma of coffee in the old house × A small escape in the city
In addition to the exhibition space, there are also coffee and reading areas in the museum. Order a cup of hand brewed coffee, choose a book, sit by the window, the sun shines in through the old-fashioned glass, the wind gently blows the curtains, everything is just right.

This is not a popular check-in cafe, but a place where you can really calm down and feel the space and atmosphere.

📸 Photo highlights:
✔ The contrast between the wooden windows of the old building and the exhibited works
✔ The back view of the Japanese corridor (it is recommended to shoot in the backlight period)
✔ Coffee + books + sunny afternoon mood
✔ The old-fashioned sign at the door + the exterior photo of the tiled roof

🧭 Transportation information and visiting suggestions:
👉🏻Address: No. 112, Baosang Road, Taitung City, Taitung County
👉🏻Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00 (closed on Monday)
👉🏻Tickets: Free admission
👉🏻Recommended stay time: 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the richness of the exhibition

Travel is not just about seeing the scenery
It is also about seeing how the people in this city create and tell stories.
Baoding Art Center is like a window to Taitung culture. You can see the soul of the city, the brushstrokes of the creators, and you can also see yourself, the moment you were once moved.

#MayGoodPlaces2025

Post by Biu’s Travel Diary | Jun 26, 2025

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