Hakka Ancient Residences in Guanxi

　　The Guanxi area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples. During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, Hakka immigrants from Haifeng and Lufeng in Guangdong successively settled here, rewriting the development history of Guanxi. Along the roadsides and in the fields of Guanxi Township stand numerous traditional Hakka ancestral houses, exuding a serene ancient charm. Among them, the Zheng family and Luo family ancestral halls, as well as the Fan family ancestral house in Pinglin, are the most representative. The Zheng family ancestral hall, located at No. 56 Mingde Road, was built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It is a traditional quadrangle courtyard building with a swallowtail roof, and the plaque inscribed with “Dai Cao Yan Pai” (Book-Grass Lineage) hanging high in the main hall is the emblem of the Zheng family ancestral hall. Legend has it that when the ancestors of the Zheng family went to the mainland to take the imperial examinations, the area around their ancestral home was overgrown with lush “book-grass.” After one of them achieved success in the exams, their descendants adopted “Dai Cao Yan Pai” as their lineage name.

　　Stepping into the Zheng family ancestral hall, the quiet courtyard is scattered with simple yet elegant ceramics and stone mills. The main residence, apart from the slightly disordered side rooms, remains largely intact. The Zheng family ancestral hall, which has a history of over a hundred years, was once nearly demolished due to road widening. However, thanks to the persistent efforts of its descendants, it was designated as a third-grade historic site and preserved. This 20-plus-year-long petition process, along with the hall’s history, is documented in a chronological record displayed in the main hall.

　　Passing through the alley on the right side of the Zheng family ancestral hall, you will arrive at the Luo family ancestral hall at No. 2 Beimenkou. The Luo family ancestral hall preserves more intact wood carvings and Jiaozi pottery in its main hall than the Zheng family ancestral hall, with more refined craftsmanship, making it quite a sight to behold. Hakka architecture emphasizes feng shui. It is said that the Luo family ancestral hall was built on the central ridge of the Guanxi plateau, considered an auspicious site in geomancy, bringing blessings to its descendants.

　　The Fan family ancestral house is located at No. 49 Pinglin in the outskirts of the town. With its swallowtail-style main hall, plus four wing rooms on the left and three on the right, the structure is grand in scale and can be seen from afar, standing against the backdrop of lush green mountains. Built in the 30th year of the Daoguang era (1850) by Fan Ruzhou, the 13th generation of the Fan family, the Fan family ancestral house has withstood over 100 years of history and has been passed down to the 20th generation, reflecting its long and enduring legacy.

　　In addition, along County Highway 118 toward Jinshan, there are the Jiangxia Hall and Peng House. On the way to the Fan family ancestral house in Pinglin via Bamboo Route 16, you will find the Yuzhang Hall—all are worth visiting one by one. Especially noteworthy is the Yuzhang Hall, renowned for its ornate decorations and hailed as the most splendid residential building in Hsinchu County, which should not be missed.

　　Transportation Guide: From Hsinchu Railway Station, take a Hsinchu Bus bound for Guanxi, or take a bus connecting Zhudong and Zhongli, and get off at Guanxi Station. Turn right onto Zhongxing Road, then turn right onto Mingde Road to reach the Zheng family ancestral hall and the Luo family ancestral hall. Turn right onto Zhengyi Road and Zhongzheng Road, then turn right onto Bamboo Route 16. Cross Nanshan Bridge to reach the Yuzhang Hall. Alternatively, take a Hsinchu Bus from Guanxi to Xingpu via Pinglin, and get off at Nanhe Station to reach the Fan family ancestral house.

　　Special Reminder: All the ancient houses in Guanxi are still inhabited by descendants. Please keep quiet during your visit.