Shin Kong Life Tower

Across the bustling Zhongxiao Road from Taipei Main Station stands a testament to Taiwan’s growth: the Shin Kong Life Tower. You might know it better by the name “Mitsukoshi Building” because of the prominent department store on its lower floors. The Shin Kong Life Tower, completed in 1993, held the title of Taiwan’s tallest building for a few short years. Its 51 stories, reaching a height of 245 meters, were eclipsed in 1997 by the Tuntex 85 Sky Tower in Kaohsiung. This rose-colored giant topped with a pyramid isn’t just a pretty face. It serves a dual purpose. The first twelve floors, along with two underground levels, are home to the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store. The upper floors house offices and serve as the headquarters for the Shin Kong Life insurance company. Interestingly, the design of the Shin Kong Life Tower wasn’t universally praised. Some architects found it a bit plain, even old-fashioned, relying solely on its height for distinction. Architect Kaku Morin, while acknowledging these criticisms, emphasized the importance of a “healthy” structure, comparing it to a human body where function trumps mere aesthetics. Before the Shin Kong Life Tower claimed this spot, it was the site of the luxurious Taiwan Railway Hotel from 1908 until its destruction in 1945 during World War II. The hotel, once the most opulent in Taiwan, predominantly catered to Japanese and foreign clientele, a stark contrast to the bustling commercial hub that stands here today.