Checheng Wood Industry Exhibition Hall

Checheng once flourished during the Japanese colonial era, driven by the transportation and trade of sugar cane, camphor, and timber, as well as the manpower and resources invested by the Japanese in the construction of the Sun Moon Lake hydroelectric power project. In 1958, Mr. Sun Hai, chairman of Zhenchang Enterprise, a prominent figure in the forestry industry, successfully bid for logging rights in the Danda Forest District of Nantou. Leveraging the convenience of transportation, he purchased land in Checheng and established a factory, engaging in timber production for both domestic and international markets. At its peak, the enterprise attracted over 2,000 employees, ushering in a second era of prosperity for Checheng and earning the Checheng and Shuili area the nickname 'Little Taipei'. After the 1970s, forestry policies shifted towards afforestation and land conservation. The sawmilling industry, reliant on domestic and export markets, became unsustainable under the government's logging ban. Most companies faced the dilemma of closure or transformation. Zhenchang Enterprise, which primarily exported large quantities of raw timber, found its sawmill plant obsolete. After operations ceased, it was left to fall into disuse. To enhance the tourism and recreational resources of the Checheng area and deepen visitors' understanding of the historical development of the timber industry, the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration rebuilt the old factory, originally preserved as a valuable industrial heritage site, into the Checheng Wood Industry Exhibition Hall. Opened in June 2008, the Wood Industry Exhibition Hall provides visitors with insights into the former glory of Taiwan's timber industry. Notably, the timber framework of the old factory building dates back to the early 20th century and was considered a very advanced design in the 1950s. Therefore, during the reconstruction of the Wood Industry Exhibition Hall, the design concept of 'overlapping new and old' was employed to preserve the original roof trusses. These old trusses were restored and displayed as exhibits within the Wood Industry Creative Hall, with new timber frameworks added atop the old factory's structure. This creates an intriguing interplay of old and new timber constructions within the same space, where intricate supports infuse the area with dynamism and a unique aesthetic beauty. This design also allows visitors to witness historical evolution and the progress of the times. At the exhibition hall, visitors can explore the revitalized factory and experience the sawmilling scenes of the 1950s. Various timber displays are also featured, and upon entering, one is greeted by the distinct aroma of different woods, as if stepping into a forest to enjoy a refreshing 'phytoncide bath.' A visit to the Wood Industry Exhibition Hall provides a deeper understanding of Taiwan's forestry development. Opening hours: During the summer season (April 15 - October 31), the hall is open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and holidays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During the winter season (November 1 - April 14), it is open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and holidays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closure information is subject to on-site or official announcements.