The historic site Former Tainan Weather Observatory is 120 years old. In 2016, it was damaged during the Meinong earthquake and will close in June for renovations.


This is footage of restoration work at the Former Tainan Weather Observatory. The 120-year-old site, which was completed in 1898, was last restored between 2002 and 2004. It was designated a municipal historic site by Tainan City in 1998 and upgraded to a national historic site in 2003. Due to its distinctive white tower, the observatory is widely known as "The Pepper Mill."

Upon entering, you discover that it is made up of a wind tower in the center and three concentric circles.

The structure was one of the first five observatories built during the period of Japanese occupation and the only one still standing. It is Taiwan's oldest meteorological structure and has a unique design of 18 sides and a high central tower. The observatory was damaged during the Meinong earthquake in 2016 and will close in June for seven months of renovations. A series of promotional events, including guided tours and a documentary on the renovations, will start on May 26.