Former Taipei Air Force Headquarters | 空軍總司令部舊址

I visited the area as part of the Open House Taipei event in November 2020. Before attending, I actually wasn't aware of this place. But it turns out, it is in the middle of Taipei City, right in Daan 大安.

This is where the Airforce Headquarters was located up until 2012 after which it moved to its current location in Neihu. In 2015, it was designated as a cultural heritage site. Part of the site has also been turned into an arts center with various exhibitions taking place there from time to time.

The building of the former air force headquarters was established during Japanese colonial rule and functioned as a central research institute. After the ROC government took over in 1949, the site was turned into the Renai Airforce Headquarters 仁愛營區 which was later modernized in the 1960's and 70's. This was a restricted area, which means no photos were allowed to be taken back in the day due to military activity. 

A lot of buildings in the vicinity aren't open to the public yet, but hopefully will be soon. The roads are wide, marked with signs to guide aircraft while landing. You can even see parking area for the planes.

There is a sense of nostalgia, because you see some of the buildings that seem to be crumbling apart. The government is currently working on restoring those places so it won't be dangerous when it opens for visitors in the future.

There were air-raid shelters 防空洞 in which people could hide in, if needed. 

In addition, Open House Taipei opened up two previously unopened buildings for the public: the Main Gate Guard House 大門官兵房 and the Duty Officer Room 當值長官室.

There were two to three levels to each building. There was an underground shelter to protect people just in case a war or something broke out.

Here you can see the stairs to go underground.

In the building, you can see a secret ladder to climb upstairs, but it wasn't open to the public. Notice how it has deteriorated with time.

Here you can see shelves that were used go store ammunition and artillery. See the tiny windows? Those were used to protect soldiers so that they could aim safely.

The second floor. Notice how the walls seem to be falling apart, with everything left to the elements.

All in all, it was very interesting day. Never thought I would experience so much military history in the middle of Taipei!

It's convenient to get to. Just hop off and Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT 忠孝新生站 from Exit 3 and walk for 10-15 minutes and you'll arrive at your destination.

Bonus: Sogo Zhongxiao Fuxing Branch is close by so you can just walk over and chill after you're done exploring.

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