Hsinchu Travel: Tea Farms and Hukou Old Street

It's nice weather today, so after finishing baking my cakes, we went outside. Initially, we wanted to see the Yellow Trumpet Flowers blossom in Xinpu. Yesterday, we saw a pink trumpet tree in bloom, so I thought it was already the season. After driving there, we discovered that there were no flowers yet and we needed to wait for one more month. Since there wasn't much to see in Xinpu, we decided to visit Hukou Old Street.

We drove along a mountain road, where we saw many bald cypresses, cherry blossoms, and tea farms. Those hills were covered with plenty of tea trees, which made the view really beautiful. It's a pity we didn't come here earlier. Now, the bald cypresses have lost almost all their leaves and don't look very attractive. Some of the Taiwanese cherries growing there have already blossomed, and the tea was also in bloom. 

In the past, Hukou was a military base. On the nearby roads, you can also see a few old tanks.

      

Hukou Old Street (湖口老街)

Hukou Old Street was built during the Japanese era, around the 1890s, with Japanese and Baroque styles. The rise and fall of this old street is related to the railway. The railway in Hukou was built in 1892, which promoted local development. After entering the Japanese period, the railway route from Taipei to Taoyuan was drastically changed, but the section from Dahukou to Hsinchu didn't change much. In 1908, the entire line was finished, making Dahukou a commercial town in Hsinchu. In 1916, Hukou Old Street was built in the southeast of the station.

The Japanese thought that the slope of the road between Hukou and Yangmei was too steep, which made the railroad unstable. The Hukou station moved closer to the coast due to the newly completed Ocean Line. The construction of the new railroad led to the decline of commercial activity on the street.

The railway is what divided Hukou between Old Hukou and New Hukou. In Old Hukou, you can see an old street, temple, church, and old theater. New Hukou is a newer area with modern houses built around the station. In Hukou, all the old buildings were preserved, and you can see a similar style to Daxi Old Street. The nearby temple has some pig decorations for Chinese New Year.

At the end of the street, you will also find San Yuan Temple. In 1904, two people donated land and raised funds to build the temple. The project was completed in 1919, despite funding difficulties. This Temple is dedicated to the Three Officials: water, earth, and heaven. The Sanyuan Palace also houses other gods like Guanyin Bodhisattva, Mazu, Yinsheng Nangniang, Wenchang Emperor, Wucai When, and Bogong. In May 2001, this Temple was announced as a county monument.

When we visited the old street, it was quite empty. Only a part of it had a few shops, and not many people were walking around. Nearby, you can also see an old church that was built where the original train station was. In recent years, the Old Street has undergone renovations and a greening project. The stone road, building archways, and shop pavilion were all renovated, but it didn't help much, and the street remains quite empty.

See also: Guanxi Old Street 

 

 

 

 

Address:

303新竹縣湖口鄉湖口老街

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Taoyuan Travel: Sankeng Old Street and Tung Blossom Trail

We visited Sankeng in Taoyuan, where we were delighted to see the beautiful tung flowers in full bloom. The surrounding hills were adorned with white flowers, creating a picturesque landscape. The Tung Blossom Trail is just a short walk away from Sankeng Old Street. Although the old street was not very crowded, it served as a starting point for people who wanted to bike along the mountain trail. Thanks to the clean water in the area, it was also possible to spot fireflies during this season.

The natural beauty of Taiwan is truly remarkable, with blooming flowers to be found throughout the year. Currently, in April and May, it is the season of the tung flowers and the Tung Blossom Festival. Tung trees, also known as tung oil trees or China wood-oil trees, were originally cultivated in China's Yangtze River region and were introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese occupation. The largest concentration of tung trees can be found in northern Taiwan, particularly in Miaoli, Hsinchu, and Taoyuan, where they were planted by Hakka people.

For updates about tung blossom check: https://tung.hakka.gov.tw/EN/0000028.html

  

Tung trees are deciduous and can reach heights of up to 20 meters. Their flowers, which bloom before the leaves, have white petals with hints of pink or purple. Tung trees bear hard pear-shaped fruits containing oily seeds. It's important to note that all parts of the tung tree are poisonous, including the leaves, which can cause a rash similar to poison ivy.

Tung wood is commonly used in the production of furniture, clogs, toothpicks, matches, and other items. The seeds of the tung tree are used to extract tung oil, which has traditionally been used in lamps and also serves as an ingredient in paint, varnish, and caulk. Tung oil is known for its ability to protect wood furniture and make it waterproof. The use of tung oil dates back to approximately 400 BC and was mentioned in the writings of Confucius. While the demand for tung oil has declined, it still holds significance in Hakka culture.

The Hakka Tung Blossom Festival was first established in 2002 to promote Hakka culture. Every April and May, many people flock to the mountains to enjoy the breathtaking view of the blooming flowers. As the flowers fall from the trees, it creates a magical atmosphere akin to falling snow. Some people even gather the fallen flowers to create shapes like hearts.

When I first saw pictures of the tung trees from afar a year ago, I didn't imagine that I would be captivated enough to visit the mountains to see them in person. However, after exploring various locations with different types of flowers, my interest in witnessing the beauty of the blooming tung trees was piqued.

 

 

Sankeng Old Street (三坑老街)

Sankeng Old Street (三坑老街) is situated in Taoyuan's Longtan District. It is considered a traditional Hakka settlement, and the earliest development of the Longtan District is associated with an area known as "Longtan First Street." The old street is characterized by its narrow layout. Sankeng's origin can be traced back to the reign of Emperor Kangxi during the Qing Dynasty, and it became a settlement when people migrated to the area in 1744. The topography of the area features three rivers merging into the Dahan River, which created three pits on the land, giving Sankeng its name. With its favorable location for water transportation, Sankeng prospered as a transit station for goods traveling between Longtan and Yangmei. However, due to the construction of Dazhen, railways, and the Shimen Reservoir, the water level of the Dahan River was reduced, resulting in the cessation of water transport and subsequent restrictions on construction in the area. As a result, Sankeng was unable to undergo significant rebuilding for many years, but it managed to retain its original charm.

At the entrance of Sankeng Old Street, you can find the "Black and White Wash" (黑白洗), which was historically used by early residents as a place to wash their clothes. The water for washing comes from the Shihmen Reservoir and can be regulated by wooden blocks. A water pump was recently reconstructed in the area. This traditional Hakka settlement was registered as a historic building in Taoyuan City in 2003.

One notable site along Sankeng Old Street is the Yongfu Palace (龍潭三坑仔永福宮). Originally dedicated to the King of Sanshan, it serves as the center of local faith. Over time, it underwent changes and currently enshrines the Three Officials, the Holy King, Wenchang Emperor, and other deities. The temple was initially built in 1791 and was relocated to its current location in 1924.

See also: Daxi Old Street 

 

Address:

325桃園市龍潭區三坑老街45號三坑老街

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Taipei Travel: YangMingShan - Calla Lily Festival

It's our second visit to Yangmingshan, and this time we came to admire the blossoming Calla lilies. Last year, we visited a beautiful hydrangea farm in the area. Visiting on a weekday turned out to be a great idea as there were fewer people, making it easier to drive and find parking. On weekends and holidays, traffic is often controlled to manage the crowds.

Yang Ming Shan National Park (陽明山國家公園) 

Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園) is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan. It was established in 1985 and covers an area of 11,338 hectares. The park is known for its volcanic topography, primarily the Dagushan volcanic group. Within the park, you can find geothermal areas, hot springs, hiking trails, volcanoes, and a diverse range of plants and wildlife.

The highest peak in the park is Qixing Mountain, reaching a height of 1,120 meters. It is a typical cone-shaped volcano formed by the eruption of lava flows and volcanic debris.

The volcanic activity in Northern Taiwan is attributed to the subduction of the Philippine Sea plate under the Eurasian plate. The melting of the subducted plates in the hot region results in volcanic eruptions and the formation of volcanic landforms. This volcanic activity lasted for over 2 million years, forming more than 20 volcanoes. However, the activity ceased around 200,000 years ago.

The landscape of Yangmingshan showcases the remnants of post-volcanic activity, including cone-shaped and bell-shaped volcanoes, craters, crater lakes, dammed lakes, hot springs, and sulfur jet holes.

Hot springs in the area are formed by the underground supply of hot water, hydrostatic pressure, and deep fissures in rocks, allowing the water to reach the surface. Surface water seeps down and is heated by underground heat sources. Most of the heated water remains within the rocks, but some rises along the surface, forming hot springs.

Lava-dammed lakes are formed when water collects in a volcanic crater. Zhuzihu, located between Qixing Mountain and Datun Mountain, is an example of such a lake. However, the lake is currently dried up, and the area is used for flower cultivation.

The chemical properties and precipitation of volcanic rocks greatly influence the area, resulting in strongly acidic soil. The climate is also influenced by the strong northeast monsoon and micro-topography. There are approximately 1,300 species of vascular plants in Yangmingshan, with Zhuzihu being particularly renowned for its floral beauty.

See also: Hydrangeas Farm

    

   

Yangmingshan National Park experiences a subtropical climate zone, warm temperature climate zone, and a noticeable monsoon climate. The park is home to various species, including 30 mammals, 21 amphibians, 22 fishes, 53 reptiles, 122 birds, 168 butterflies, and numerous insects and invertebrates. Each season brings its own unique beauty to the area. In February and March, cherry blossoms and rhododendrons adorn the mountain slopes. In October, golden red maple trees and silver grass create a stunning display. During winter, snow can occasionally be seen on cold days, and the mesmerizing sight of seas of clouds can be observed.

Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan boasts 45 Calla lily farms, covering an area of over 13 hectares. Calla lilies are ornamental flowers, but it's important to note that they are toxic if ingested. These flowers typically grow to a height of 35-55cm and thrive in wet and humid environments, often found near ponds or riverbanks. While some farms may charge an entrance fee of 100-150 NTD, many places offer free parking and entrance. Visitorscan usually get up close to the flowers and even pick a few at some farms.

One notable feature within Yangmingshan National Park is Qixing Mountain (七星山), located in the Datun Volcano Group. It is the highest mountain in the city and the highest volcano in Taiwan. Qixing Mountain is situated in the center of Yangmingshan National Park and is one of the younger volcanoes in the area, with eruptions dating back 700,000 years. Due to post-eruption erosion, the mountain now features seven peaks. The mountain also exhibits faults across its southeast and northeast contours, with volcanic landforms such as hot springs and fumaroles.

   

   

The Datun Volcano Group is a collection of volcanoes in Northern Taiwan. It is the result of episodic volcanism that occurred between 2.8 to 0.2 million years ago. In 2005, there was a geothermal activity observed, and gas fumaroles were active in the area. Fumaroles are holes in the ground that emit steam and gases. It is also possible that magma chambers still exist beneath the surface of Northern Taiwan.

Overall, Yangmingshan National Park is a stunning destination with diverse natural landscapes, offering a variety of experiences throughout the year. From vibrant flower blooms to volcanic landforms, it is a true testament to Taiwan's remarkable natural beauty.

Calla Lilly Farms in front of Qixing Mountain

Address:

112台北市北投區核心區 陽明山國家公園竹子湖

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Nantou Travel: Attractions and legend of Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) 

Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) is located in the mountains of Yuchi Township, Nantou County (南投). It is the second-largest lake in Taiwan and the largest semi-natural lake and power generation reservoir. Covering an area of 17 km2, it has a maximum depth of 30m and a maximum width of 4km.

The name "Sun Moon Lake" was first mentioned in 1821 in the ''Haihai Diary'' by Cao Shigui. In English literature, it was known as "Lake Candidius." It was officially named in 1873 by missionaries who came to Sun Moon Lake to teach the Thao people. The name was inspired by the beauty of the area, with the eastern part resembling the sun and the western part resembling the moon. In 1970, Sun Moon Lake was designated as one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan, and in 2010, the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area was established.

The lake is a significant center of aboriginal life in Taiwan, and it is home to a small island called Lalu. Lalu Island is an ancient settlement of the Thao tribe. Formerly known as "Guanghua Island," a matchmaker pavilion was established there in 1978 where visitors could worship the Matchmaker God and make marriage requests. However, after an earthquake in 1999, the Matchmaker God was relocated to Longfong Temple. As a gesture of respect to the Aboriginal people, the island's name was changed to "Lalu Island."

Swimming in the lake is generally not allowed except during the Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim event in September. To participate in the swim, participants must form a group of three people and pay a registration fee of 1000 NTD per person. The competition offers distances of 3km and 5km, and the event lasts for a few hours.

Visitors to Sun Moon Lake can also explore Ita Thao, a tourist village located on the southeast shore. Ita Thao is the endpoint of the Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim and features numerous food stalls and a night market. Some popular aboriginal dishes in this area include boar meat (山豬肉), sticky rice in bamboo tubes (竹筒飯), and millet wine (小米酒).

See also: Sun Moon Lake

Shuishe Dam (水社壩)

Shuishe Dam (水社壩) is another attraction in the area. Formerly known as "Shuishe zhuang," it was a street village from the end of the Qing Dynasty to the beginning of the Japanese occupation. Shuishe offers many restaurants and resorts, as well as bike and scooter rentals and bus services for exploring Sun Moon Lake.

Nine Frog Stack (九蛙疊像‭)

The Nine Frog Stack (九蛙疊像) at Sun Moon Lake serves as an indicator of water levels. However, it does not necessarily indicate drought conditions. The water in the lake is used for electricity generation, stored in lower pools, and then pumped back into the lake, causing the water level to fluctuate by as much as 2 meters.

Wenwu Temple (文武廟)

Wenwu Temple (文武廟) is a significant temple in the Sun Moon Lake area. Initially, there were two temples near the lake, but in 1919, Japanese colonizers decided to construct a hydroelectric power project, which raised the water level. The two temples were replaced and combined into one in 1938. The temple was rebuilt and expanded in 1969. It consists of three main halls dedicated to different gods, with two lions guarding the entrance. Visitors can climb to the top of the temple, which offers a view of the lake. The climb includes 366 steps, symbolizing the days in a year.

Longfeng Temple (龍鳳宮月老廟)

Longfeng Temple (龍鳳宮月老廟) is located on a hill and was originally built in Shuishe but was relocated to its current location in 1934. "Long" means dragon, and "feng" means phoenix. The Yue Lao Shrine was also brought to Longfeng Temple from Lalu Island after being damaged in an earthquake.

Ci'en Pagoda (慈恩塔) 

Ci'en Pagoda (慈恩塔) is a Chinese-style tower built in 1971 on Sabahan Mountain. It was constructed by Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek in honor of his mother. The tower stands at an elevation of 954 meters above sea level and is 46 meters tall. The top of the tower is exactly 1000 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake. To reach the pagoda, visitors need to climb a 570-meter-long trail from the parking lot, which can be tiring, especially in hot weather. However, the view of the lake from the tower is truly worth it.

Madame Wang Tai Memorial Hall

The Madame Wang Tai Memorial Hall features Mr. Chiang Kai-shek's lounge with portraits and furniture on its first floor. Additionally, every April and May, Ci'en Pagoda becomes a good place to see fireflies. Three species of fireflies found at Sun Moon Lake are active during the daytime.

Xuan Zang Memorial Hall (玄奘大師紀念館)

Xuan Zang Memorial Hall (玄奘大師紀念館) was built in 1965 by the Nantou County Government. Xuanzang (602-664) was a Buddhist monk who traveled to India for 17 years.

The Legend of Sun Moon lake

Long ago, in the mountains of Nantou, there was a tribe called Shao. The people primarily cultivated corn, rice, and taro on their farms, and they relied on fishing and hunting for food. One day, a loud "boom" sound was heard, and the land began to shake. The sun disappeared, causing distress and tears among the people. Without sunlight, they could do nothing but seek refuge in darkness. At night, when the moon rose, they could see again and resume their farming activities. However, another sound soon followed, almost destroying their houses. The moon vanished, and the people began crying once more.

From that time on, the sky had no sun or moon. Darkness covered the entire world. Plants withered, fish retreated to deep waters, flowers ceased to bloom, and animals became lifeless. People wondered how they could survive without sunlight. Among the village's residents were a young couple named Da Jian Ge and Shui She Jie. They contemplated a plan to bring back the sun and moon, realizing that without them, everyone would perish.

The next day, they set out into the forest, determined to find the sun and moon. They climbed mountains, crossed rivers, and ventured through forests but could not find any sunlight. After a long journey, they reached the mountaintop, where they saw a faint light shimmering on the surface of a lake. They ran toward the lake and discovered two dragons playing with the sun and moon. The couple cried when they realized who had stolen them and that the dragons were afraid to return them.

Feeling defeated, they sat on a rock, and suddenly, white smoke began to rise from beneath it. They moved the rock aside and discovered a long, narrow pathway. Curiosity piqued, they entered, and once the smoke cleared, they encountered an old woman cooking in her kitchen. The woman was astonished to see other people and shared her story. She revealed that the dragons had brought her there long ago and held her captive, forcing her to cook meals for them.

The young couple informed her about the dragons' theft of the sun andmoon. The old woman advised them that dragons feared golden scissors and an ax hidden beneath Ali Mountain (Alishan). If they were to throw these objects into the lake, the dragons would be slain, and they could retrieve the sun and moon.

The couple journeyed toward the mountain and diligently dug for the scissors and ax day and night until they unearthed them. Grasping the weapons, they hurried back to the lake. Upon killing the dragons, their blood stained the lake red, and the sun and moon floated on the water's surface. The couple rescued the old woman and contemplated how to return the sun and moon to the sky.

The old woman informed them that if they were to consume the dragon's eyeballs, they would grow tall and strong enough to accomplish the task. Without hesitation, the couple dove into the lake, found the dragon's eyes, and consumed them. As a result, they grew to towering heights. Emerging from the water, they were as tall as mountains. Hand in hand, they lifted the sun and gently placed it in the sky. Despite their efforts, the sun fell back down. They attempted several times but could not make it stay. At last, the old woman suggested using palm trees to prop up the sun and moon.

Each of them seized a tree, hoisted the sun, and steadfastly held it high. Gradually, the sun rose higher and higher. After a full day of exertion, it remained in place, restoring its normal function. They repeated the process with the moon, illuminating the world once again. Plants began to flourish, and people regained their smiles.

Fearful that the dragons might return, the couple stood beside the lake, serving as guardians. Over time, their bodies transformed into mountains: DaJia Shan and ShuiShe Shan. The lake came to be known as SunMoon Lake. As an expression of gratitude, the people dedicated a dance to commemorate the brave actions of the couple. During the dance, participants toss colorful balls into the air and attempt to catch them with bamboo sticks, symbolizing the couple's heroic deeds.

Address:

1. Shuishe Dam: 555南投縣魚池鄉水社壩
2. Nine Frog Stack: 555南投縣魚池鄉台21甲線水蛙頭步道旁九蛙疊像
3. Wenwu Temple: 555南投縣魚池鄉中正路63號日月潭文武廟
4. Longfeng Temple: 555南投縣魚池鄉中山路291-26號龍鳳宮月老廟
5. Ci'en Pagoda: 555南投縣魚池鄉慈恩塔
6. Xuan Zang Memorial Hall: 555南投縣魚池鄉中正路389號玄奘大師紀念館

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Hsinchu Travel: Xinpu ~ Exploring Historic Sites of Hakka Heritage

Xinpu, located in the northern part of Hsinchu County, is a small town known for its Hakka culture and traditional architecture. One of the most famous activities in Xinpu is the drying persimmons festival, which showcases the local agricultural heritage.

Originally inhabited by the Pingpu indigenous people, Han Chinese settlers arrived in Xinpu during the Yongzheng period (1723-1735). In the early 19th century, Xinpu developed into a bustling distribution center for key commodities such as rice, sugar, and camphor. This led to an influx of Hakka people who settled in the area.

Yimin Temple (褒忠義民廟)

Today, visitors can still admire ancient Hakka buildings that have been preserved in Xinpu. One notable structure is the Yimin Temple (褒忠義民廟), also known as the Rewarding Loyalty Pavilion. The temple was initially small but expanded over time, eventually becoming the wealthiest temple in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation. According to legend, the temple was built on the site of a tomb belonging to the loyalist Bu Zhiyi.

See also: Xinpu Dried Persimmons

Liu's Family House (劉氏雙堂屋) 

Liu's Family House (劉氏雙堂屋) was built in 1781. In 1755, Liu Ruige's wife and their three sons (Yanzhuan, Yanzhen, and Yanqi) moved to Taiwan and settled in the Yanghai Township (Xiangshan area). Liu's eldest son built the courtyard house, which came to be known as the "double house." The architectural style of the building highlights the significance of the ancestral hall, with the family living around it.

During that time, buildings were constructed using earth and thatched roofs. In 1919, three rows of horizontal houses were added, giving rise to the name "two hall and six horizontals." The building covers an area of 30,000 m2 and features 99 rooms. In 1983, to commemorate Liu Ruige, the large Liu's Family cemetery known as "Ruige Garden" was established on the hill behind the house. The site was designated as a county monument in 2006.

Chen's Ancestral Hall (陳氏宗祠) 

Chen's Ancestral Hall (陳氏宗祠) was built in 1868. The original building was destroyed in 1895 but was rebuilt three years later. The main structure of the hall faces south and follows a two-story pillow-seized temple style. It consists of a front hall, left and right houses, and a small patio at the rear. Inside the main hall, there is a small gallery dedicated to the ancestors of the Chen family. The building showcases wood and stone carvings, paintings, and other architectural features representing Hakka culture. It was designated as a county monument in 2004.

Lin's Family Temple (林氏家廟)

Lin's Family Temple (林氏家廟) was constructed between 1913 and 1917. The temple was built by Lin Linzi, who raised funds for its construction. Two brothers living in the back street donated the land for the temple. The building is a two-scale ancestral hall facing Daping Mountain. The main hall serves as a space for ancestral worship, while the left and right horizontal houses are designed as open halls. The building became a county monument in 2006.

Liu's Ancestral Temple (劉家祠) 

Liu's Ancestral Temple (劉家祠) was built in 1867. During its construction, disputes over ownership halted the project. Work resumed in 1990 and was completed in May 1991. The building features a single entrance, three horizontal buildings, and one enclosure. Its roof and horizontal houses exhibit a rare architectural style in Taiwan. The ancestral hall serves as the main ritual space for Liu Jiaxuan. The front part of the building is made of bricks, while other sections use stone. It was designated as a county monument in 2006.

Fan's Family Temple (范氏家廟) 

Fan's Family Temple (范氏家廟) was funded by Fan Riwang in 1858-1860. The ancestors of Fan Riwang originally came from Jiaying Prefecture and settled in Xinpu Streets. It is the earliest ancestral hall established in the area. The building consists of five wide rooms, with the central three rooms forming a gallery. The main hall is dedicated to ancestral worship and features a wooden structure divided into two spaces. The left and right walls are made of mud bricks, and beneath the shrine, a land dragon is enshrined, showcasing a distinct Hakka architectural feature. It became a county monument in 2006.

Zhang's Family Temple (張氏家廟) 

Zhang's Family Temple (張氏家廟) was built in 1868. The temple is a two-story building that was burned down by the Japanese army in 1895. It was reconstructed in 1907 and transformed into a two-dimensional scale. The architectural style is similar to Liou's Ancestral Temple. The building consists of five open rooms, with the main hall dedicated to ancestral worship. On the left side of the hall, there is a picture of Zhang Yunlong, the benefactor who funded the temple. It was designated as a county monument in 2004.

Zhu Family Temple (朱氏家廟) 

Zhu Family Temple, originally built in 1846, started as a house but was later transformed into a temple to honor Zhu Jingong due to the favorable feng shui of the location. The temple features a two-horizon courtyard with five open rooms. The entrance is a double-open door, and the walls of the left and right houses are made of red bricks, while the front building is constructed with stone. The courtyard walls are built with red bricks, and the doorstep is made of stones. It was designated as a county monument in 2009.

Wu Zhuoliu Former Residence (吳濁流故居) 

Wu Zhuoliu Former Residence, built in 1840, belonged to Wu Zhuoliu, also known as Wu Jiantian, a prominent Hakka figure born in 1900. He was a public school teacher, poet, and novelist, having written over 3,000 Chinese poems in his lifetime. Wu Zhuoliu founded the "Taiwan Literature and Art" magazine and established the Taiwan Literature Award and Wu Zhuoliu Literature Award. The residence is a traditional Hakka-style courtyard building with multiple stories. It features stone carvings, wood carvings, paintings, and clay sculptures as decorations. The building became a county monument in 2009.

Pan's Residence (新埔潘屋) 

Pan's Residence, built in 1861, has an interesting history. In 1815, Pan Yuxian purchased the land and built a house, which served as the prototype for Pan's Residence. In 1861, his sons rebuilt it using red bricks and granite to enhance its defensive capabilities, reflecting the security and social conditions of that era. Pan's Residence is a three-story building with a single outer courtyard and double inner courtyards. The walls of the central courtyard are open, allowing for air circulation, and various brick-shaped windows are incorporated into the walls. It became a county monument in 2006.

Elementary School Principal's Dormitory (新埔國小校長宿舍) 

The Elementary School Principal's Dormitory, constructed in 1902, is the only Japanese-style building in Xinpu. It is a wooden structure with an area of 25m2, dating back to the Japanese era. Originally serving as the residence for the president of Xinpu, it was later inhabited by the second president, Lu Renxiang, until 2000. Due to neglect, the building fell into disrepair and became dilapidated. However, with the efforts of the Xinpu Town Office, it was restored in 2011 and converted into the Xinpu Ancestral Museum. It was designated as a county monument in 2010.

Address:

1. Yimin Temple: 305新竹縣新埔鎮義民路三段360號
2. Liu's Family House: 305新竹縣新埔鎮義民路二段460巷42號劉氏雙堂屋
3. Chen's Ancestral Hall: 305新竹縣新埔鎮中正路510號陳氏宗祠
4. Lin's Family Temple: 305新竹縣新埔鎮成功街136巷16號林氏家廟
5. Liu's Ancestral Temple: 305新竹縣新埔鎮和平街230號劉家祠
6. Fan's Family Temple: 305新竹縣新埔鎮成功街116巷7號范氏家廟
7. Zhang's Family Temple: 305新竹縣新埔鎮和平街347巷22號張氏家廟
8. Zhu Family Temple: 305新竹縣新埔鎮和平街158號朱氏家廟
9. Wu Zhuoliu Former Residence: 305新竹縣新埔鎮吳屋伙房至德堂
10. Pan's Residence: 305新竹縣新埔鎮和平街170號新埔潘屋
11. Elementary School Principal's Dormitory: 305新竹縣新埔鎮中正路366號新埔國小校長宿舍

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