Banqiao Lin Family Garden

　　The premier garden attraction in northern Taiwan — Banqiao Lin Family Garden, originally named “Lin Benyuan Garden Mansion,” is located in the northwest corner of Banqiao City. It was the garden of the Lin family residence during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong period. The Lins, having a large and prosperous family, named the garden “Benyuan,” meaning “original source,” symbolizing unity, cohabitation, and gratitude for one’s roots. It was renovated and reopened in 1986, becoming a historic and scenic destination in the Greater Taipei area.

　　The current Banqiao Lin Family Garden covers an area of approximately 3,800 pyeong (about 12,566 square meters). Following the visiting route, the first structure you’ll see is the “Jigu Book House,” the Lin family’s library. The name “Jigu” is inspired by the Ming Dynasty’s Mao Zijin’s Jigu Pavilion. In front of the book house is a uniquely shaped rain shelter, which is quite interesting. To the east is the “Fangbian Studio,” a study room, in front of which lies a deep pond with a hip-and-gable style stage. Watching performances from the studio across the pond offers a distinctive experience, showcasing a clever design element of the garden.

　　The “Laiqing Pavilion,” which takes its name from the poetic imagery of “green mountains and fields coming into view,” served as the guest reception and lodging area for the Lin family. In front of the pavilion is the “Kai xuan yi xiao” (Open the Window and Burst into Laughter) stage, one of the pavilion’s notable features. Nearby, the “Xiangyu Yi” (Fragrant Jade Moved) area used to be filled with blooming flowers and served as a flower-viewing spot. The “Guangjia Tower” (Observation of Farming Tower), however, is the most controversial part of the garden due to its reconstruction being based largely on conjecture after being damaged by a windstorm. In the past, visitors could climb to its heights to gaze over the vast terraced fields at the foot of Guanyin Mountain, enjoying boundless scenery. The path from Guangjia Tower to Dingjing Hall passes by the Rongyuan Large Pond, the largest body of water in the garden. The pond is surrounded by old banyan trees with twisted roots and dense shade, hence its name. Scattered around are rockeries, layered pavilions, fishing spots, Cloud Brocade Stream, and Crabapple Pond, offering a rich variety of features.

　　The “Dingjing Hall,” whose name is derived from the saying “one must be determined before one can be tranquil,” is the only quadrangle courtyard in the Lin Family Garden. It covers the largest area and was once used for hosting grand banquets for distinguished guests. Its design is simple and classic, exuding a strong traditional charm. The “Yuebo Waterside Pavilion,” the final attraction along the visiting route, is a uniquely styled building consisting of two connected diamond shapes, noted for its elegant and distinctive architectural form.

　　Address: No. 9, Ximen Street, Banqiao City, Taipei County

　　Phone: (02) 2965-3061~2

　　Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00

　　Closed: Mondays, the day after national holidays, and New Year’s Eve

　　Getting There: Take bus routes 310, 307, 264, or 701 operated by Taipei Joint Bus System; or take Green 10 bus operated by Taipei Bus, and get off at the Lin Family Garden stop.