Shiang Yang Academy

 Shiang Yang Academy was a garrison hospital for Japanese soldiers after the Sino-Japanese War in 1895. It was used for health recovery by ill soldiers. Medical care was not the main purpose for this hospital, the natural resource of hot spring was aimed for. In addition to receiving medical treatment, the patients also can get healed from a hot spring bath.

 
When a Japanese high ranking soldier found this particular attraction, the construction of the hospital was made in 1898. Manpower of 600 persons was used and the building was finished in about 2 months. The construction cost was Yen 100,000 which was higher than that for Hot Spring Public Bath, Yen 56,000.
 
During the Russia-Japanese war in 1904s, numerous wounded soldiers were moved to this place for treatment. By doing so, Japan saved a lot of cost in medication and hospitalization. Also it avoided sad feelings between wounded soldiers and their families during wartime.
 
After World War II, Shiang Yang Academy was left by the Japanese. Our government took the management. It has been used to render medical treatment for various patients; however, its main usage is for health recovery of psychiatric illness. It is one of the main hospitals in Taiwan for psychiatric patients.
 
Originally the entrance gate was at the south of the hospital. It was changed to the north side after it was taken over by our government.
 
The beauty of the building was found by the Taipei city government officer in 1997. He tried to get it approved by the city council to designate it a historical site. It was passed in the same year.