Rediscover historical memories！Jiadong’s “Most Beautiful Corner” — The Centuries-Old Zhang Residence Rescued and Revived

Reported by Reporter You t
ru / Comprehensive Report

This was once the most beautiful corner in Jiadong, Pingtung！A century ago, the Zhang family’s commercial building (Zhang A-Ding Residence) in Jiadong Township was the busiest shop in Liugen Village. Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair, with walls collapsing and roofs caving in. Thanks to joint efforts by the community and the government, it took three years to restore its status as the “Most Beautiful Corner of Jiadong.” Not only has it revived historical memories, but it also continues the local cultural heritage.


▲ The restored Zhang family commercial building. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)
The Zhang family commercial building was built in the 1910s and is the only two-story traditional red-brick building in Jiadong. It is located at the intersection of Donggen Road and Xibian Road, in the once most prosperous commercial trading area during the Qing Dynasty. It served as a sales space for aquatic products and sugarcane, as well as a grocery store where residents bought daily necessities. In 1968, after the Zhang family became the first in the village to own a television, every evening the courtyard would be crowded with villagers coming to watch Yang Li-hua’s Taiwanese opera performances. It is a highly representative example of a historic street-front vernacular building.

The century-old Zhang residence gradually deteriorated due to lack of maintenance by later generations, suffering increasing damage over time. After Typhoon Morakot, its roof even partially collapsed. In April 2011, Dr. Tseng Kuei-hai, a native of Liugen, along with local cultural and historical groups, initiated a campaign to save the Zhang A-Ding Residence. From fundraising to acquiring ownership of the building, and with subsidies of NT$7.4 million from the Hakka Affairs Council, the county government, and other sources, the restoration was completed in three years.

The restored Zhang family commercial building retains its original appearance, exuding an old-world charm. A corner of the interior has been set up as a temporary reception and product display area, reviving the functions of the former commercial building. When Magistrate Tsao and others visited inside, seeing the low eaves, Magistrate Tsao even played the role of a tour guide, reaching out his hand to touch them. “These were designed to block the wind.” Being inside allows visitors to reminisce about the olden days. The initiator, Dr. Tseng Kuei-hai, said that the Zhang family commercial building is a cultural treasure of the locality. Everyone contributed money and effort to preserve it. In the future, in addition to offering tea service and exhibitions, historians will be stationed on-site to assist with guided tours, hoping to make it a community cultural center where visitors can learn more about Jiadong.