From industrial heritage regeneration to regional revitalization-a case study of Checheng Timber Industry Museum Park in Taiwan

摘要

An industrial heritage site is the best witness of the growth and decline of a region's economy and the alternation of the industries. It carries not only historical value and significance of a region's development but also the collective memories shared by people of this region. Communities that were established in the early days due to industries often experienced a lagging development and even population decline following the discontinuance or abandonment of the industries they relied on. An importance of conserving an industrial heritage site is to highlight the distinctive characteristics of the community and make it an integral part of the local history and culture. In recent years, Taiwan has devoted much effort in preserving and reusing industrial heritage sites. However, in most cases, the "sites" were preserved but not the "heritage." As a result, some of these industrial heritage sites became commercialized and lost their original characteristics and cultural significance. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of the regeneration of Checheng Timber Industry Museum Park, an industrial heritage site in Taiwan, and how it revitalized local tourism and became the driving force behind community development and the success of creating a sense of community. Furthermore, the study will also analyze its preserving value and the possibility of constructing an industrial heritage network.