Henan Hall Zhongshi Mansion

　　Located next to Pingtung’s Zhongzheng Junior High School, the Qiu Family’s Henan Hall Zhongshi Mansion is the most intact of the historic Hakka residences in southern Taiwan’s Six Villages. The Qiu ancestors once traveled to Fujian to pursue scholarly honors, and as this area is a cultural crossroads between Hoklo and Hakka communities, the mansion’s layout and detailed ornamentation show distinct influences from Fujian architecture. In particular, the exquisitely carved wooden beams and pillars, the colorful Koji pottery wall decorations, and the ornate roof ridge ornaments add a luxurious decorative touch to what is otherwise a traditionally austere Hakka home—these are also the most striking features of Zhongshi Mansion.

　　The structure follows a classic two-courtyard, two-wing, quadrangle layout—essentially a standard quadrangle compound augmented with side wings and courtyards on both sides, forming a complete “four”-shaped residence. The building’s exterior is solid and disciplined, while the interior boasts finely crafted and ingeniously designed carvings and decorations.

　　The decorative arts of the Qiu Mansion can be divided into five categories: wood carving, sculpture, exposed aggregate concrete, painting, and calligraphy. The lion-shaped bracket wood carvings on the walkway and the dougong (bracket arm) wood carvings on the porch pillars display a vivid contrast between strength and delicacy, and are remarkably lifelike. The Koji pottery decorative bands embedded in the outer walls of the porch feature vividly sculpted figures and rich, saturated colors. The ancient plaque above the ancestral hall door inscribed with “Zhongshi Mansion” is preserved in excellent condition; its calligraphy is structurally solid and the brushwork is steady and unpretentious, making it the finest piece of calligraphy in the entire residence. The richly colored decorations, striking red tiles, and understated exposed aggregate concrete walls give the building a vibrant appearance both from afar and up close, while still retaining a deep sense of traditional charm.

　　Transportation Tips: Take Pingtung Bus Route 0 East from next to Pingtung Railway Station, get off at Pingrong Industrial & Commercial School Station, then walk along Minxue Road, turn left at Zhongzheng Junior High School, and enter Tianliao Lane to reach the site.