Chinese Name: 板橋放送所
Address: No. 67, Ln. 130, Minzu Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Established: 1930
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Official Website: https://www.cltartech.com.tw/
Did You Know That…?
Despite its historical value, the Banqiao Broadcasting Station was almost demolished to make space for an office complex.
Located in Banqiao District (板橋區), New Taipei City, the Banqiao Broadcasting Station was constructed in 1930 and began its operations in 1931. Designed by Japanese architect Shunichi Kuriyama (栗山俊一), the façade of the building emphasizes horizontal lines, which is a typical feature of Taiwanese modernist architecture in the late period of Japanese rule (1895-1945).
The history of radio broadcasting in Taiwan can be traced back to 1925 when the Japanese government set up a ten-day experimental broadcast to commemorate 30 years of Japanese rule on the island. In 1931, the Taiwan Broadcasting Corporation was established, marking the beginning of regular broadcasts in Taiwan.
After World War II, the site of the Banqiao Broadcasting Station was handed over to the Broadcasting Corporation of China and was used as a transmitter station. In 2014, ownership of the site was transferred to the Ministry of Transportation (MOT). Initially, the MOT had planned to repurpose the site into an office complex, but this decision was met with backlash from local historical groups. In response to the calls by the activists, the New Taipei City government designated the Banqiao Broadcasting Station as a historical landmark, ensuring its preservation as a cultural heritage.
Following restoration efforts, the outdoor area of the Banqiao Broadcasting Station was opened to the public in June of 2019, while the buildings of the site were under further renovation until 2022. Covering an area of nearly 18,000 square meters, the Banqiao Broadcasting Station is now a green space in the heart of the city where both locals and visitors can enjoy their leisure time.
In 2023, as a part of the first-ever operate-transfer project for cultural heritage sites in New Taipei City, the Banqiao Broadcasting Station was operated by the Contemporary Legend Theatre (CLT), a performance group that blends Peking opera with modern western theater. The newly revitalized station features multiple venues, including the Banqiao Story House, the Taigu Tales Dancer Café, the Technological Art Hall, and the CLT Immersive Theater.
The Banqiao Story House tells the history of the Banqiao Broadcasting Station and other local cultural monuments, such as the Lin Family Mansion and Garden (林本源園邸), which is one of the few remaining examples of classic Qing Dynasty architecture in Banqiao District. In addition, the story house also showcases New Taipei City’s traditional craftsmanship.
The Taigu Tales Dancer Café consists of a coffee shop and a dance studio. With a staff that is entirely made up of dancers, the café not only offers them a part-time job but also provides a place for them to teach dance. The idea was conceived by Lin Hsiu-wei (林秀偉), CLT producer and administrative director. A dancer herself, Lin had suffered fatigue while travelling all over the country teaching and performing dances just to make her ends meet. Therefore, she hopes that the café could help stabilize her fellow dancers’ career
Combining technology and art, the Technological Art Hall provides parents and children alike with a space to learn about Chinese opera through interactive games.
The CLT Immersive Theater, a repertory theater, features two main shows every year, along with performances from various guest groups. The venue is divided into two areas, including the multipurpose room, where events such as exhibitions or seminars can be hosted, and the immersive theater, which boasts 30 projectors that can create a delicate light effect. In an innovative approach to let the audience better immerse themselves in the charm of theater, CLT combined dining with entertainment, allowing the audience to have meals or a cup of tea as they enjoy the shows.