It was more by coincidence that Mr. X found these buildings. It is a connected complex consisting of several hotels. In the past, it must have been quite an attractive place. Today, however, it has been completely left to decay. This is related to the general development of domestic tourism and the trouble during transition in Taiwan.
The rain was too heavy, and everything downstairs was so dirty that Mr. X did not feel like going inside. The lower complex is a large hotel, while the upper section is more resort-like, with a swimming pool. It must once have been a very beautiful place.
(Even Michelangelo lost his head because of it.)
It was actually a very good architectural design, and it must have been quite beautiful in its heyday. The resort appears to have opened around 1995. Even today, the lower section still offers a glimpse of its former grandeur, despite its ongoing decay. Economically, however, the concept ultimately failed.
(Sorry, closed today)
Perhaps even more interesting is the founder, whom I will call Voldemort for reasons of self-preservation. A number of coincidences came together that were typical of Taiwan during the period of rapid change in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. By pure coincidence, the founder belonged to the ruling party and, purely by coincidence, had a brother in a high-ranking political position. Coincidentally, he received loans from the Farmers Bank under circumstances that were, from a business perspective, highly questionable. Coincidentally, the bank was under significant state influence, which also happened not to be unfriendly to the ruling party. And, quite coincidentally, numerous events organized by government agencies or government-affiliated institutions were held at the resort. The project even became the subject of discussion in parliament.
Following another project on state-owned land that was allegedly used for private enjoyment, the Taiwanese government eventually took over the organization of his accommodation and daily meals in 2019, providing him with a structured daily routine—albeit with considerably less luxury and only for a few years.
Taiwan’s transitional period was marked by many such conflicts. The boundaries between public and private interests were often less distinct, particularly for those associated with certain political circles. As such, this site is more than just an abandoned resort; it is also a small piece of Taiwan’s modern history.
