Yin Haiguang Former Residence

Tucked away in a tranquil alley on Wenzhou Street in Taipei City, lies a lush Japanese-style wooden courtyard. This is the former residence of Mr. Yin Haiguang, a pivotal liberal thinker in modern Taiwanese history. This building is not only a designated city historic site but also a spiritual sanctuary, imbued with soul and integrity, bearing the profound weight of Taiwan's democratic development. The former residence was originally a dormitory for faculty and staff of National Taiwan University during the Japanese colonial period. The building itself is a typical Japanese-style wooden bungalow, featuring a simple layout and an elegant courtyard. Mr. Yin Haiguang moved into this house in 1956, and it became his space for teaching, writing, and contemplation. During that era of authoritarian oppression, it was within this very house that he furiously penned numerous manifestos criticizing the political situation and advocating for democracy and freedom, profoundly influencing a generation of Taiwanese intellectuals. Today, the former residence has been perfectly preserved. Stepping inside, one feels as if time has reversed. Mr. Yin Haiguang's study is preserved in its original state, with bookshelves packed with philosophy and intellectual books, and his desk seems to still emanate the warmth of his writing from years past. The museum also displays his precious manuscripts, letters, and personal artifacts, allowing visitors to intimately experience the scholar's simple life and resolute spirit.