Lin An Tai Homestead 林安泰古厝

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I had been to Taipei a few times but was not aware of Lin On Tai Homestead.  The Homestead is one of the oldest house in Taiwan. It was built by Lin Hui-Kung between 1783 and 1785 (48th to 50th year of Qianlong Period in Qing Dynasty).  It was named On Tai to memorise their homeland in Anxi County and Rong Tai Company which was established by his father and turned the family rich.  In 1978, the homestead faced the challenge of being taking apart due to expansion of the Dunhua S. Road. After hard lobbying, it can stay and has been opened to the public since 2000.

We took the red metro line to arrive at Yuanshan. After we have crossed the main streets, we saw a lot of temporary stalls on the two sides of the street which is like a big event or carnival. Passing through a big park, we first spent a little time at the Fine Arts Museum on a free exhibition of innovative design and products. It was nice to see art and facilities for the public, even a solar bridge for a cozy walk.


Gradually came the main entrance and the crescent point to our sight. A traditional red brick Chinese house stands under the sun with reflections from the pond.  The exterior is constructed with bricks but the interior is mostly constructed with wood. The rich people's living conditions in the old days was not luxury as today.  Comfort might not be a word to describe the life at the old time.  Nevertheless, the nostalgia attracts visitors, photographers with their models.


The courtyard is beautiful, dotted with ponds, partition walls, stone garden, pavilions, artificial hill, Chinese bridge.   All compose together as a beautiful and picturesque picture.


 





On the way back, we passed by Taipei Expo Park.  It was the season for roses.  Beautiful!




Location: No. 5, Binjiang Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491

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