Henan Hall Zhongshi Di

Henan Hall Zhongshi Di

Located next to Pingtung’s Zhongzheng Junior High School, the Qiu family’s Henan Hall Zhongshi Di is the most well-preserved of the ancient Hakka residences in southern Liutui. As the Qiu ancestors once traveled to Fujian to attain scholarly honors and the area is a cultural intersection of Hoklo and Hakka communities, the layout and intricate decorations of the Qiu residence show clear influences from Fujian architecture—especially the exquisitely carved wooden components between beams, the Koji pottery wall ornaments, and the roof ridge decorations—which add a layer of ornate beauty to the otherwise simple and traditional Hakka architectural style. These elements are also the most splendid highlights of Zhongshi Di.

The structure follows a classic two-courtyard, two-wing, quadrangle layout—essentially a standard quadrangle compound supplemented by wings on both sides and inner courtyards, forming a complete “four-sided” residential design. The building’s exterior is solid and austere, while the interior features delicate and ingenious carvings and ornamentation, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

The decorative arts of the Qiu residence can be divided into five main categories: wood carving, sculpture, exposed aggregate finish, painted artwork, and calligraphy. The lion-shaped bracket wood carvings on the walkway and the sparrow-bracket wood carvings on the veranda pillars are strikingly vivid, balancing strength and elegance; the Koji pottery decorative bands embedded in the outer wall of the entrance hall feature lively character figures with bold and vibrant colors; the ancient plaque inscribed with “Zhongshi Di” above the ancestral hall door remains fully intact, demonstrating firm calligraphic structure and steady strokes free from ostentation—it is the finest piece of calligraphy in the entire residence. With its richly colorful decorations, bright red tiles, and understated yet textured exposed aggregate walls, the building looks splendid and elegant from afar and up close, all while retaining a profound sense of traditional charm.

Transportation Guide: Take the Pingtung Bus Route 0 East Line from the bus stop near Pingtung Railway Station, get off at the Pingrong Industrial & Commercial Vocational High School stop, then walk along Minxue Road, turn left at Zhongzheng Junior High School, and proceed into Tianliao Lane to reach the destination.