The Era of Elegance: The Rise and Fall of the Tiantai Entertainment Kingdom

一代風華：天台娛樂王國的興衰

In the past, Tiantai and Jinguo Theaters were the prominent centers of “Gezaixi” and the film industry in Sanchong. However, as Taipei City and New Taipei City gradually formed a daily living circle, the once thriving film industry in Sanchong declined. The drastic change inevitably makes people curious about how Tiantai Complex and Tiantai Cinema have transitioned from prosperity to commonplace.

Brief History

According to the website “Smile Taiwan”, “Tiantai Cinema originally served as a Gezaixi stage. The name ‘Tiantai Cinema’ originated in 1952 when Mr. Li Rui-ruan, also known as ‘Chailiao Rui,’ relocated his timber business to its current address at No. 82, Section 2, Chongxin Road. Due to economic demands, the timber business was thriving with vibrant activities. Mr. Li, who had a personal interest in theater and drama, decided to establish a Gezaixi stage on the second floor. This unique combination of “a theater in the sky” led to the name ‘Tiantai,’ which translates to ‘Sky Platform’ or ‘Stage in the Sky,’ and it quickly became a popular and beloved stage for performances .” 

“The theater stage was constructed in 1958, and it had its grand opening ceremony on August 14th of the same year. When Tiantai Cinema first opened, the cinema’s general manager, Jian Kunmu, applied for the ‘Tiantai Cinema’ bus stop sign in advance, reserving the stop name for the theater. After becoming successful and renowned, Tiantai Cinema attracted many students from Taipei City’s cram schools, who would cross the river to watch foreign films. At that time, the cinema primarily screened Western movies. As for audiences from central and southern Taiwan, they traveled by bus from Taipei Bridge to get to the cinema .” 

“Subsequently, it underwent various transformations, being converted into facilities such as public baths, hostels, and an ice-making factory. Finally, in 1968, it was redeveloped into Tiantai Department Store. Over the course of twenty years, the building saw several changes. In 1988, the original Tiantai building was demolished and rebuilt. Then, in 1994, Tiantai Complex reopened, and it has been in operation ever since .”

Status Quo

Today, the gate of Tiantai Cinema seems to blend into food stands and convenience stores like a supporting role. That is, it is no longer the protagonist of Sanchong. People nowadays are more likely to spend their spare time and money in Taipei. However, thanks to the efforts of local historians and cultural workers in Sanchong, Tiantai Complex and Tiantai Cinema are gradually coming back into the spotlight for the people of Sanchong and visitors alike. They can now enjoy delicious snacks while listening to the explanations from local historians and cultural workers, immersing themselves in the vibrant and lively scenes of the past. Moreover, the indoor spaces provide a comfortable environment for tourists to go shopping and watch a movie during hot or rainy days, attracting more people to spend a wonderful weekend here. With the effort of those people, I believe Tiantai will return to its glory soon. 

中文翻譯

天台戲院與金國戲院兩家戲院一直是三重市最響亮的兩大電影招牌。然而，隨著台北市和新北市逐漸形成日常生活圈，三重市昔日繁榮的電影業逐漸式微，不再擁有往昔的輝煌。這種巨大變化不免讓人好奇天台廣場和天台影城是如何從繁榮過渡到更為沉寂的狀態。

歷史簡介

根據名為「微笑台灣」的網站介紹：「天台影城最初是一個歌仔戲舞台。『天台影城』這個名稱始於1952年，當時『柴寮瑞』李瑞軟將木材行遷到重新路二段82號現址，因經濟需求，木材行經營得有聲有色。加上他個人對戲劇的喜好，另外在二樓加蓋一座歌仔戲台，形成所謂的『天空中的戲台』，這便是『天台』名稱的由來。

影城舞台於1958年建成，並於同年8月14日開幕。天台戲院剛開始時，是由戲院總經理簡坤木將『天台戲院』的公車站牌事先申請，預訂天台戲院的站名。天台戲院風風光光經營後，就有很多台北市的補習班學生渡河來看電影，那時都是放映洋片。至於中南部的觀眾則都是坐公路局班車自台北橋出入。」

隨後，天台影城經歷了多次變革，轉變為澡堂、旅舍和製冰廠等。最終，於1968年改建成天台百貨公司。在二十年的時間裡，建築物經歷了幾次改變。1988年，原天台大樓被拆除重建。然後，在1994年，天台廣場重新開幕，至今仍在運營中。

現況

天台影城的大門似乎與小吃攤和便利商店融為一體，像是一個不起眼的配角，而非當年亮麗的三重主角。現今人們更願意在台北花錢，並度過他們的休閒時光。然而，得益於三重在地的歷史學家和文化工作者的努力，天台廣場和天台影城正逐漸回到三重人與旅客的眼中。他們現在可以在享受美食的同時，聆聽當地歷史學家和文化工作者的解說，同時沉浸在過去充滿活力和熱鬧非凡的場景中。此外，室內空間為遊客提供了舒適的環境，可以在炎熱的天氣或雨天時都可以逛街購物和看電影，吸引更多人來這裡度過美好的周末。在這些人的努力下，我相信天台將很快重現輝煌。

作者 Author：陳冠佑（Yoyo）

地址 Address ：新北市三重區重新路二段78號

No. 78, Sec. 2, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City 241502, Taiwan (R.O.C.)