Tainan Travel: Liu's Family Ancient House

 Liu's Family Ancient House (柳營劉家古厝)

The Liu Family Ancestral Hall, also known as the Liu Family Ancient Home, is a well-known attraction in Liuying that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. This magnificent courtyard building covers an area of 800 square meters and was constructed around 1867. The building materials and craftsmen were transported from Zhangzhou, Fujian to Taiwan by ship.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, manual or water pump machines were not available, so most families relied on well water for drinking and daily use. Wells were cleaned once a year. Wealthy families drilled their wells in the front yard, while farmers drilled theirs outside their houses. Approximately 10 houses shared the same well.

The Wenkuei at the entrance of the main hall was awarded by Wang Te-Lu, the Staff Officer of the Department of Logistics and Imperial Inspector of Fukien Province. In 1852, Liu Ta Yuan (also known as Kuei-Chang), the seventh generation of the second son of the Liu family, passed the provincial official examination, and the Wenkwei was awarded to commemorate this achievement. Two "Provincial Official Rods" were placed on both sides of the front yard of the Liu family's old house to honor the ancestors after passing the provincial examination. One provincial civil official and one martial official from the Liu family received a government award of six taels of silver to erect the rods. The Provincial Official Rods were imported from Fuchou, Mainland China, and arrived via the Taiwan Strait to Chishui Creek, then got on shore from the Bridge Fort of Iron Wire. Only one rod remains today, as lightning struck down the one on the left side, leaving only the empty stone stand.

The clay lion at the top of the mountain wall, holding the Eight Diagrams in its mouth, serves the purpose of "driving evil out of the house." The Eight Diagrams are used as a symbol to ward off evil, as the legend states that they were originally set up by Fushi to understand the virtues of the gods and the emotions of all living things. Therefore, this clay lion is a decorative item used to drive away evil spirits from the house.

See also: Liu Qixiang Memorial Hall

Address:

736台南市柳營區中山西路三段128號柳營劉家古厝

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Tainan Travel: Liu Qixiang Memorial Hall

We often ride scooter around Tainan County, exploring historical places in the nearby countrysides. Tainan is currently my favorite place to live and travel. I feel that it's incredibly rich in history. Tainan City, as well as the surrounding countryside, is renowned for its historical significance and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for exploration. 

Liu Qixiang

Liu Qixiang (February 3, 1910 - April 24, 1998) was one of the first four Taiwanese painters to study painting in France, alongside Chen Qingfen (1910-1987), Yan Shuilong (1903-1997), and Yang Sanlang (1907-1995).

Born into a prominent family in Liuying, Tainan, Liu Qixiang attended Liuying Public School in Tainan in 1917, where his art teacher, Chen Gengjin, recognized his talent and sparked his interest in painting. In the 1920s, he went to Tokyo, Japan, to study at the Art Department of Tokyo Bunka Institute. In the 1930s, he traveled to Europe with Yang Sanlang and Yan Shuilong, settling in Paris, France, to further his art studies.

During his three-year stay in Europe, Liu Qixiang extensively traveled to observe the natural and cultural landscapes of the continent while devoting himself to creating art in his studio. He visited the Louvre to study and copy works by renowned painters such as Manet, Cezanne, Renoir, and Corot. His own works, such as "Ladies in France" and "Red Clothes," reflect his analysis and research on the works of Manet and Cezanne. "Red Clothes" was even selected for the 1933 Paris Autumn Salon.

After returning to Tokyo, Liu Qixiang married Yukiko Sasaba. Following the Second World War, he and his family returned to Taiwan and settled in Liu Ying's former residence. In 1948, they relocated to Kaohsiung, where Liu Qixiang organized art associations and regularly exhibited his work through associations like the "Kaohsiung Art Research Association" and the "Tainan Art Research Association," which later formed the "Southern Taiwan Art Association" and held the "Southern Exhibition."

Liu Qixiang's early works mainly consisted of group portraits and figure paintings that depicted elegant and dignified figures. In 1977, he suffered from thrombosis, but even in critical condition, he continued playing the violin for rehabilitation and insisted on painting. In his later years, his brushwork became softer, emphasizing an overall sense of harmony and simplicity, reflecting his calm and indifferent character.

Liu Qixiang Art Memorial Hall (劉啟祥美術紀念館(劉啟祥故居))

The Liu Qixiang Art Memorial Hall is located in Liu Qixiang's former residence in Liuying, Tainan. The building, also known as the Summer Palace, was designed by his father, Liu Kunhuang. It features a mixture of Japanese and Western architectural styles, with five Western arches and a cloister design. In 2013, it was approved by the family and handed over to the Cultural Bureau of Tainan City Government. After five years of restoration and an approximate budget of 24 million, it officially opened on December 15, 2018, as the "Liu Qixiang Memorial and Art Museum." The museum showcases a century of artwork in the exhibition "A Century of Spring in the House of Long Yi" and is open to the public for visits.

                            See also: Liu's Family Ancient House

Address:

736台南市柳營區中山西路三段128號劉啟祥美術紀念館

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Tainan Travel: Dutch Village Camping Ground

Deyuanpi Holland Village (德元埤荷蘭村)

One of the places in Tainan suitable for traveling with kids is the Deyuanpi Holland Village. During our visit, there weren't many people, and the spacious grassland provided an ideal space for kids to run around. The park offers various facilities, including a tourist service center, a restaurant, an exhibition and sales hall, as well as a camping and barbecue area. It provides convenient amenities such as water, electricity, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful environment. As a popular destination for campers and visitors, it offers a serene atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Deyuanpi Holland Village is situated in Liuying District, Tainan City, covering an area of 7.9 hectares. It boasts a diverse ecosystem with ponds and wetlands. Surrounded by the verdant landscape of the nearby Liuying Dairy Farming Area, it creates a picturesque rural scenery. Originally developed by a local figure named Liu Deyuan, it was later established by the Tainan County Government as an ecological leisure park, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The county government recognized the neighboring Liuying District as a major dairy farming area in Taiwan, drawing similarities to the agricultural nature of the Netherlands with its land and water features. Therefore, the park incorporates authentic Dutch elements, such as the iconic windmill and Van Gogh Bridge, along with a red brick bridge, enhancing its rural charm and providing visitors with a taste of the Netherlands' natural and simplistic characteristics. It has become an exotic destination for tourists from all over Taiwan.

In recent years, camping has become a popular leisure activity for many people. The annual Windmill Festival, as well as occasional events like Oktoberfest and concerts, leave a lasting impression on visitors. After enjoying various activities, visitors can dine at local restaurants and savor the famous milk-based dishes, refueling themselves before continuing their exploration of the Dutch village. With its abundant activities and excellent facilities, the village offers a truly European and Dutch experience for tourists.

Address:

736台南市柳營區神農里7鄰新厝100號德元埤荷蘭村

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Tainan Travel: Feeding Animals at Liuying Ranch

Liouying Ranch (柳營八老爺牧場)

Liuying has historically been a significant milk-producing area in Taiwan. However, with the decline of the first generation of dairy farmers and changes in the industry, the number of dairy farmers has gradually decreased. As a result, the focus has shifted to developing the area into a tourist ranch. The ranch is no longer primarily focused on milk production but instead offers restaurants and dairy products. The outdoor grassy pastures now have a limited number of cows, mainly for tourists to experience activities such as milking cows and feeding them grass. Additionally, the ranch is home to other beloved animals like donkeys, llamas, rabbits, and sheep.

It's a wonderful place to visit, especially for families with children. The entrance fee is 80NT, and 30NT from the ticket can be used for food, drinks, or purchasing animal feed. The on-site restaurant serves hot pot and offers steamed buns, cookies, beverages, and ice pops for purchase. A section of the park is dedicated to rabbits and guinea pigs, where visitors can freely interact with and feed these adorable animals.

See also: Animals feeding in Tainan Science Park

Address:

736台南市柳營區八翁里93-139號柳營八老爺牧場

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