As part of the comprehensive efforts that the Ministry of Culture has undertaken to safeguard heritage sites nationwide, nine historic sites chosen from 19 finalists were granted awards acknowledging their maintenance and preservation endeavors at Taichung's Cultural Heritage Park on Dec. 18.
Altogether, the nine laureates are recognized as successful preservation models that can inspire the multitude of historic sites in the country to follow suit:
The Beitou Museum (北投文物館), a Japanese-style building that was once the largest bathhouse in East Asia.
Guang He Tang Herbal Medicine Shop (廣和堂藥舖), a historic building in Taipei.
U-Market (新富市場), a Taipei-based traditional market place named after its unique U-shaped design.
The Japanese-Style Residence of Daxi Elementary School (大溪國小日式宿舍) in Taoyuan.
Lanshi (大溪蘭室), a century-old residence with both Fujianese and Western architectural styles in Taoyuan.
Zhaixing Villa (摘星山莊), a century-old four-section compound in Taichung.
Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum (原嘉義神社暨附屬館所), an old Japanese Shinto shrine in the southern city of Chiayi.
Fongyi Academy (鳳儀書院), a historical site of Kaohsiung.
The Six Section Grand Abode of Huang Hsuan-hsien (黃宣顯六路大厝), a centuries-old residence on outlying Kinmen County.
Apart from the awards ceremony, an exhibition that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage as a common and shared asset kicked off concurrently at Taichung park, showcasing the efforts invested in the maintenance work of the ten runners-up, along with the nine winners. The exhibition will run through Nov. 30, 2020.