Taipei book celebrates city’s 130th anniversary

2014-08-28

A new book documenting Taipei City’s 130 years of cultural heritage was launched Aug. 26 by publisher Taipei City Archives Committee at recently restored Nishi Honganji Temple in Ximen.

Written by veteran historian and literary figure Chuang Yung-ming, “My Memories of Old Taipei” features more than 300 antique photographs. It takes readers back to the city’s foundation in 1884, shedding new light on architecture and monuments inside the area bordered by present-day Aiguo West, Zhonghua, Zhongshan South and Zhongxiao West roads.

“This work is the tribute of a Dadaocheng native to his beloved hometown on its journey from a Qing dynasty [1644-1911] stone-walled city to a modern metropolis filled with skyscrapers,” Chuang said.

According to the 73-year-old author, who serves as TCAC deputy commissioner, his 57th book also deals with Taipei landmarks of the 21st century like 51-story Shin Kong Life Tower. “The magnificent Railway Hotel once stood on the site of the tower,” he said, adding that such facts need to be documented for future generations.

Chuang said editing was one of the biggest challenges he faced during the production of his labor of love. He was forced to trim 70 pages to ensure enough room for the accompanying essays totaling 50,000 words.

“There was so much to tell, yet so little time and space,” he said. “Now I have shared my version of history on the central part of the city, it is my only wish to do the rest justice.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221085&CtNode=413)