The old Taichung prison and its nearby buildings are all constructed based on the Japanese architectural designs, which demonstrate people's way of living during the Japanese colonial period. In order to preserve the historic and cultural heritage, scholars are now calling the government to make the site into a tourist attraction.

The residence for warden was built in Japanese colonization period.

Except for some arranged visits, the building is literally empty the whole time. Scholars find it a pity that the site is not well preserved.

The old Taichung prison dormitory is of typical Japanese style.

After the KMT regime took over it, the residents gradually built add-ons while maintaining the original look.

The one-hectare land is right next to the Taichung city heritage site, an old training center for penitentiary guards.

A complete living circle of the Japanese colonization period to the KMT regime remains.

Head of the Department of Urban Planning at Fengchia University Dr. Liu Yao-hua says, if the area can be well preserved and connected with the old Taichung city hall to form a cultural area, it could be a world-class tourism

attraction.

The whole Taichung area is populated with high-rise buildings.

Only the Rainbow Military Dependents Village and the Taichung prison dormitory are left in the original look.

Cultural activists urge the government to plan and preserve the sites to create more values and leave a legacy to future generations.