Department of Cultural Affairs

Former Japanese Military Hospital, Beitou Branch

Built during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), the Beitou branch of the Japanese Military Hospital serviced wounded Japanese soldiers convalescing here during the Russo-Japanese War. It later became a psychiatric hospital for the ROC Armed Forces. Several buildings were arranged side-by-side in rows across a mountain slope. One entranceway is currently extant. The buildings were constructed with relatively tall foundations, and were positioned facing south, with corridors along both sides, serving to block both moisture and sunlight. Built in a typical architectural style of that time, both the walls and framework were of wood, with clapboard sidings and small wooden windows. The buildings are notable for their incorporation of native Taiwanese materials.