Zhudong Ancient Houses

　　Zhudong is located in the center of Hsinchu County, with the Shoupingsi River and Touchien River flowing along its eastern side, which has provided abundant water resources since ancient times. It was only gradually developed into one of the main Hakka settlements in Hsinchu County.

　　Among them, the three major ancient residences of Zhudong — Xinhao Mansion, Shanglongxitang, and Su Mansion Wugongtang — are all located here. In addition, there is also an old temple built in the first year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1821), Huichang Temple, a typical Hakka temple that enshrines the Three Mountain Kings revered by Hakka immigrants, serving as the spiritual center for Zhudong residents.

　　When Peng Kaiyao developed Zhudong, he built five luxurious mansions, one for each of his five sons. Over time, only Xinhao Mansion and Longxitang remain today, bearing witness to the former prosperity and wealth of the Peng family. Located at No. 111, Section 3, Dongning Road, Xinhao Mansion is not very conspicuous among various concrete buildings, but its well-preserved quadrangle features exquisite wood carvings and Koji pottery decorations, exuding an antique charm. Originally built as an earthen house, it was later reconstructed into a residence that blends Chinese and Western styles. At the time, the renowned Taipei craftsman “Pineapple Master” was hired to rebuild it, and artisans from Guanxi carried out the carvings. The wooden carvings are delicate yet not overly elaborate, while the clay sculptures are richly colored without being garish.

　　Turning from Dongning Road into Kangning Street, you will see the Upper and Lower Longxitang. The Upper Longxitang, located in Lane 135, was the residence of Peng Kaiyao’s second son. Originally a three-section compound with upturned swallowtail eaves, its left and right wing-rooms have been rebuilt due to severe decay, leaving only the main hall retaining the traditional style. On the central ancestral plaque inside the hall is inscribed the word “Longxi,” giving it a rather imposing appearance. Behind the Hsinchu Bus Zhudong Station, in Lane 199, Kangning Street, there is another ancient residence called Longxitang. To distinguish it from the former, locals commonly refer to it as Lower Longxitang. This residence is more expansive, particularly featuring the main hall and both wing-rooms that employ different styles of horseback roof ridges representing the elements of wood, water, fire, and earth. Amidst its simplicity, its refined beauty showcases the meticulousness of its architecture.

　　Located in Lane 103, Section 3, Changchun Road, Su Mansion Wugongtang was built by descendants of the Su family from Tingzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province. Covering an area of over 1,000 ping, Wugongtang is a three-section compound with three wing-rooms on each side and two layers of walls outside the courtyard, giving it a grand scale. Although it is situated close to the road, the tranquil courtyard is lush with flowers and trees, offering a serene environment filled with the sounds of chirping insects and birds. This complements the inscriptions on the floral windows of the main hall — “Birdsong” and “Floral Fragrance” — as well as phrases on the entrance gate such as “Listen to Orioles Sing” and “Watch Cranes Dance,” further enhancing its refined and elegant ambiance.

　　Transportation Guide

　　1. Take the Neiwan Branch Line train from Hsinchu Railway Station and get off at Zhudong Station. Walk along Donglin Road, turn right onto Section 3 of Changchun Road to reach Xinhao Mansion and Wugongtang. Turn right from Section 2 of Changchun Road onto Xingnong Street and Kangning Street to reach the Upper and Lower Longxitang.

　　2. Take a Hsinchu Bus from in front of Hsinchu Railway Station bound for Zhudong; alternatively, take a Taiwan Tourist Bus from Taipei’s Taichung Bus North Station, which can also take you directly to Zhudong.

　　Note: Currently, the ancient houses in Zhudong are all inhabited by descendants. Visitors should keep quiet when visiting. Among them, Xinhao Mansion is not open to the public, so visitors should avoid disturbing the residents.