The National Library of Public Information (NLPI) is hosting the exhibition “A Time Capsule Journey: Taiwan’s Historical Sites and Sustainable Natural Footprints,” on view through August 23 at the Periodicals Area on the third floor of its main library. Drawing on NLPI’s collection of Japanese-era books and newspapers, the exhibition highlights Taiwan’s historic landmarks and rare ecosystems, inviting visitors to explore the island’s cultural and environmental legacy across time.
The exhibition traces how Taiwan’s cultural heritage has moved from discovery to preservation. Historical materials show the changing roles of sites such as Anping Fort and the Taipei City Gates, alongside the development of heritage protection laws. Early surveys and protection began during the Japanese colonial period under the Historic Sites, Scenic Beauty and Natural Monuments Preservation Law. After 1982, Taiwan’sCultural Heritage Preservation Act established a more comprehensive system for safeguarding historic and cultural assets.
Taiwan’s natural heritage is also a key focus. The exhibition introduces species such as the Formosan landlocked salmon, a glacial relic and the only temperate fish living in Taiwan’s subtropical environment. It also highlights the Mikado pheasant, whose feathers symbolize courage and honor in Tsou culture and which has long been a protected species. Archival records of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and natural monuments further reveal Taiwan’s rich ecological diversity and the close connection between nature and culture.
Reflecting global sustainability efforts, the exhibition also links these stories to theUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A featured example is Taichung’s Qiedong Tree King Cultural and Ecological Park, where a thousand-year-old tree stands as a witness to local history and urban ecological change. An interactive area invites visitors to share their wishes for protecting the planet, turning individual hopes into a collective vision for a sustainable future.