Historic Hsinchu State Library 新竹州圖書館

Hsinchu State Library

The area around Hsinchu’s East Gate (竹塹城迎曦門) and the Hsinchu Moat (新竹市護城河親水公園) is the epicenter of culture for all of Hsinchu. Along this small stream, you’ll stroll by hundred-year-old wooden colonial buildings and even a Japanese-era library.  While watching birds wade in the bubbling water and jumping rocks from one side of the creek to the other, you may see this non-assuming building peek out from behind the trees.

The Hsinchu State Library (新竹州圖書館) was built in the same architectural style as the Hsinchu City Hall. Blending classical Western elements along with Renaissance and Brutalism, you are left with a structure that echoes the Japan of the early 20th century. Little do many know, the historic Hsinchu State Library could have turned into little more than another apartment block.

Not far from the Hsinchu Moat, you’ll also find the century-old movie theatre! 

Getting to the Hsinchu State Library

The Hsinchu State Library is located within walking distance of the Yingxi Gate (East Gate) and the Hsinchu Train Station. Hsinchu’s moat is the main artery linking all of these historic locations together. With its tranquil waters and smooth stones strategically laid across its length, travelers can easily walk from one site to the next in the cool shade and relax along the banks of the moat.

One of the stops on your stroll down the Hsinchu Moat is the Hsinchu State Library. Located along Wenhua Street (文化街8號), the library is tucked behind a tall exterior wall. If you are walking along the river, you may walk right by the colonial building without even knowing it is there. Even if the building did catch your eye, it wasn’t until recently that visitors could explore the century-old building themselves.

Looking for a day trip from Hsinchu? Be sure to check out Neiwan in the surrounding mountains!

Saved From The Wrecking Ball

The Hsinchu State Library has a similar story to many of the other historic buildings located around the city. If it wasn’t for historians stepping in the way, this century-old library would have been leveled and turned into another mundane apartment complex. The library was originally built in 1923 for the then-prince Emperor Hirohito. Even with the fall of the Japanese Empire, the building still functioned as the city and county library for Hsinchu. This lasted until 1984.

In 1984, Hsinchu County held an auction to sell many pieces of land throughout the city and surrounding countryside. An insurance firm known as Shin Kong Life bought 19 properties including the Hsinchu State Library. When the company expressed a desire to tear down the building to develop the area, the city government stepped in. Feeling misled, a legal battle ensued, leaving the structure in limbo until the matter was settled. The insurance company won its case and was awarded over 52 million NTD. They also ensured the city that the building would stay intact.

If you’re wanting to get in touch with nature, why not stroll around Green Grass Lake?

Filling the Library

It is no easy task to convince a private company to open their property to the public. Working with the local historical society, Shin Kong Life slowly started to open the doors to the Hsinchu State Library. At first, there were just several art exhibitions and markets held within the halls of the library. These events were few far and few between, however, and many curious travelers were still stuck sticking their heads through the bars of the iron gates.

It wasn’t until 2023 that the insurance company came up with the least creative solution possible: throw a Starbucks in the library. The international coffee shop attracts a steady flow of customers to its halls and allows visors the chance to sit back and take in the interior of the historic Hsinchu State Library. Of course, Shin Kong Life was looking for a way to ensure some kind of cash flow, but one can not help but to dream of a local business opening shop in the library rather than this behemoth of a franchise.

Looking to really explore Hsinchu’s history? You won’t want to miss Lingyin Temple!

Opening the Past

Like many historical and cultural sites around the world, the Hsinchu State Library is another local treasure that just barely missed its date with the wrecking ball. There is constantly a battle between those who are looking to preserve history and those who are looking to make money. Fortunately, the owners and the city were able to find some middle ground and open the library up to the public.

While it is a blessing that the library was able to be given a second chance. One can not help but think of all of the places around Hsinchu that were not so lucky. What other historical sites could be still standing if it wasn’t for companies looking to demolish them to make high rises and shopping malls? Of course, a city’s story is always changing and developing. One must remember, however, that if you are going to be building a future you must also preserve the past.

Looking for more places to visit? You can check out our complete list of things to do in Hsinchu here!