Ancient Villages of Hengchun

　　The Hengchun Peninsula saw the emergence of many settlements along its coasts in present-day Hengchun, Checheng, and regions like Manzhou during the Qing Dynasty, driven by the development of agriculture and fishing. The area’s inconvenient transportation and unique geographic and climatic conditions resulted in village architecture that differs significantly from the commonly seen Min-style buildings across Taiwan. Instead, due to interactions related to fishing, it bears similarities to the traditional architecture of Penghu. Coupled with the distinctive lifestyle of local residents and occasional influences from the Japanese colonial period’s European-style designs, these villages have formed their own unique style in Taiwan.

　　The architecture on the peninsula is deeply influenced by daily functional needs. The basic layout typically centers around a shrine room for ancestral tablets, extending left and right to form the main structure—known as a “single-row dragon.” These single-row dragon–style houses are lined up along main streets, developing in a strip-like formation, which is a common sight in coastal settlements of Hengchun and Checheng. Later, as families grew, additional wing rooms were built, forming either a “capstan handle” layout or a traditional three-section compound. Regardless of the structure, homes here generally feature spacious front courtyards. Besides serving as workspaces for farming and fishing, these courtyards are also important places for children to play, families to rest, and neighbors to socialize.

　　As villages expanded, new houses were built in overlapping layers behind the main streets, connected by alleys and enclosing public spaces of varying sizes. These spaces, sheltered from strong winds and adjacent to homes, became spots for casual chats and bonding. For visiting travelers, they also serve as ideal paths to experience the charm of these ancient villages. In areas like Wanlitong in Hengchun, such layouts remain well-preserved. Walking through the alleys, visitors are shielded from the peninsula’s fierce winds and scorching sun, offering a uniquely tranquil experience.

　　Every autumn and winter, the Hengchun Peninsula is battered by powerful downslope winds, leading to numerous windproof features in its architecture—key characteristics of Hengchun’s traditional houses. For instance, the fronts of houses often have inner and outer walls that serve both windproofing and heat insulation purposes. To prevent roofs from being blown off, the eaves here are short and narrow, often topped with a low wall called a “parapet.” The “rabbit ear” design is used to hang wooden boards, providing an extra layer of protection for doors and windows. Additionally, roofs and walls are built thick and sturdy for wind resistance. Though lacking the ornate flying eaves and intricate designs, they offer a rustic charm of their own.

　　Currently, the best-preserved ancient villages on the Hengchun Peninsula are found in Wanlitong and Daguan in Hengchun Town, with notable examples including the Han Residence in Wanlitong, the Wu Residence in Daguan, the Chen Residence in Baisha, as well as the Qinghe Hall in Shekau and the Xu Residence in Houwan in Checheng, and the You Residence in Manzhou. These are among the most worthwhile historic houses to explore.

　　Transportation Guide

　　1. Take a Kaohsiung bus from Hengchun bound for Xiashuijue, and get off at Shekau or Houwan to reach Qinghe Hall and the Xu Residence, respectively.

　　2. Take a Kaohsiung bus from Hengchun bound for Wanlitong, which can take you to Wanlitong, Baisha, and Daguan. Alternatively, buses heading to Hejie or Dingbaisha can also get you to Baisha and Daguan.

　　3. Take a Kaohsiung bus from Hengchun bound for Changle, Gangzi, Nirenlu, or Gaoshi, and get off at Manzhou to reach the You Residence there.