【Introduction】

In the 41st Year of Emperor Meiji (1908) during the Japanese colonial period, the railway line which runs across Taiwan’s western plain was completed. The old Hsinchu station was originally built as a wooden structure, which didn’t provide sufficient capacity for travelers. Hence an initiative to build a new station was launched. Architectural design for the construction was carried out by Tsumunaga Matsugasaki, who was appointed by the Railway Division of the Office of Governor-General of Taiwan. The station featured a distinct bell tower and comprised of a waiting hall and a ticket office. The project was completed in the 2nd year of Emperor Taisho (1913). In the 3rd year of Showa reign (1928), an office was added to the right of the station. Unfortunately, it was bombarded by the allied air force in the 20th Year of Emperor Showa (1945). Part of the office was damaged in the air raid. In 1948, the ROC government restored the station, including an extended office, a meeting room, and some other facilities. Meanwhile, additional spaces for the duty offices were added to the left wing of the station. The original Hsinchu railway station was considered to be of post-Renaissance style. The most notable feature of the building is the high-ceilinged steeply-pitched roof. At the center of the roof is a tower embedded with clocks on each side and oeil-de-boeuf windows (round-shaped dormers) are set on the front side of the building. The remarkable design has made the station a landmark of Hsinchu. The entrance corridor is designed in Tuscan Order, displaying a lively yet dignified style. Arched windows and doors are used with an emphasis on keystones, and the interior has many elaborate reliefs. The overall design is influenced by the German Baroque style, thus embracing both historical and aesthetic values.

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