Star Gathering Villa

　　Star Gathering Villa is situated in Tanzi Township, Taichung County. It is listed as a county-level historical monument, spans more than 2,500 pyeong, and boasts a history of 130 years. It was once acclaimed as the foremost among Taiwan’s top ten traditional residences. The villa excels in colorful paintings, clay sculptures, wood carvings, and Koji ceramics, fully showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese residential craftsmanship.

　　Constructed from earthen materials, Star Gathering Villa took six years to complete and features a three-courtyard quadrangle compound with multiple wing rooms. “No space without carving, no surface without calligraphy, no wall without painting” is the most distinctive feature of the villa. Common decorative elements on the walls include colored pottery, stone carvings, and carved calligraphy and paintings, with the most intricate designs found on the main hall’s entrance gate. The main hall adopts a “concave-door” design, subtly signifying family status. The plaque inscribed with “Literary Luminary,” bestowed by the imperial court during the Tongzhi era, hangs above the door lintel. Upon entering, the upper half of the wall from the central axis is entirely covered with dazzling Koji ceramics, creating a breathtaking visual effect. Other walls also feature various decorations, such as elegant bamboo lattice windows and vividly expressive Koji ceramic gable ornaments, all proudly displaying the wealth and social standing of the owner in those days.

　　Over time, the artistic value of the wall decorations has faded due to weathering and intentional or unintentional human damage, leaving them incomplete and evoking a sense of regret.

　　Transportation Guide

　　1. Take a Fengyuan Bus from in front of Taichung Railway Station or from Fengyuan, and get off at the Tanzi Industrial Park, then walk to the site.

　　2. Take a Fengyuan Bus from Fengyuan via Xintian to Daya, and get off at the Tanzi Industrial Park.

　　Special Note: Currently, Star Gathering Villa remains a private residence, inhabited by descendants of the Lin family. Visitors must obtain the homeowner’s permission before visiting and should keep disturbances to a minimum.