Changhua Railway Hospital (Formerly Gaobin Pavilion)

Changhua Railway Hospital, formerly Gaobin Pavilion, is located on Chenling Road, a famous food street in Changhua, less than 300 meters from Changhua Railway Station. Surrounding it are well-known Changhua delicacies such as Ba-wan (meatballs), Cat Rat Noodles, and Yangchun Noodles. Its architecture departs from traditional symmetrical designs, resembling a large ocean liner. The left side of the roof mimics a ship's superstructure, and the walls feature small circular windows and long rectangular windows reminiscent of ship cabins. The building's lines are simple, making it quite avant-garde for the Japanese colonial period's architectural style. In terms of architectural aesthetics, it is considered one of Taiwan's representative modernist buildings and was designated a county-level historic monument in 2011. During the Japanese colonial period, Gaobin Pavilion was the largest entertainment establishment in central Taiwan. Geisha (yìdàn) and Nakashi (a type of wandering musician entertainment) culture flourished here. Together with surrounding hotels and taverns, centered around Changhua Railway Station, it formed a bustling entertainment district, marking one of the beginnings of modern leisure life in Taiwan. At that time, many literati, scholars, and intellectuals gathered here for socializing and discussing current affairs, including Lai Ho, known as the father of Taiwanese new literature, and Tu Tsung-ming, known as the father of Taiwanese medicine. After World War II, the Taiwan Railway Administration acquired Gaobin Pavilion to convert it into a railway hospital. This timeless building holds profound significance in Taiwan's cultural and railway history, showcasing the colorful historical grandeur of Changhua City's past and serving as a living imprint for the people of Changhua. The ground floor's walls, adorned with light blue square tiles, exude a retro charm. The lobby displays old furniture and antique accessories for sale, and exhibition posters tell the historical story and architectural features of the Changhua Railway Hospital. The ground floor currently serves as an exhibition space, housing independent second-hand bookstores, pallet-furniture home decor, clothing, and accessories for sale. Its tranquil and serene ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely, artsy stroll and photo opportunity after enjoying Changhua's local delicacies, allowing visitors to experience Changhua's nostalgic cultural charm.