Chang Hwa Bank was established in 1905. Not only was it the first bank established by Taiwanese citizens, it also represented the financial growth that occurred under foreign rule. At the time, after tycoons Wu Ru-xiang, Gu Xian-rong, and Lin Xian-tang pooled capital to create the Joint-stock Corporation of Zhang Hwa Bank, they fixed their eyes on gaining political and economic positions in Taizhong. Because of this, in 1910 the main branch was moved to Taizhong. In 1936, a branch was built in Roman architecture at the intersection of today’s Freedom Road and Zhongzheng Road. After the war, the bank dropped “Joint-stock Corporation” from its name. The building still exhibits the majestic facade from the period of Japanese rule, as well as the elegant decorations common from the Renaissance.
The First Chang Hwa Bank
- NCL Special Collection / Yan Hui-long / Japanese Colonial Period (1895-1945) / 13.8×8.8cm / 《Visual Feast》