A Historical Tour of Banqiao: The Timeless Beauty of the Century-Old Lin Family Garden

▲After more than a century, the Lin Family Garden bears deep historical imprints.

Reported and photographed by Intern Reporter Li Hanxin / Taipei

The movie Monga sparked a wave of nostalgia, not only in the Wanhua area but also in nearby Banqiao, which hides much of old Taipei’s charm, carrying numerous memories and emotions. The passage of time has made Banqiao a junction where old and new history converge.

Established to eliminate factional fightingDaguan Book Society, which still retains its architectural style from a century ago after renovation.Lin Family GardenA historical relic hidden in the urban jungle, the garden’s classic charm effortlessly transports visitors into a historical setting, as if traveling back over a hundred years to the Lin family’s Banqiao estate. Turn a corner, and you might just bump into one of the Lin family’s young masters.

A Must-Visit for Exam-Takers: The Daguang Confucian Temple

Daguan Book Society, which also enshrines the God of Literature, Wenchang Dijun, is thus also known as the Wenchang Shrine. It was established by the Lin Benyuan family next to their mansion in the second year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1863), with the aim of easing tensions and violent clashes between people from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou in Fujian. Now a national third-grade historic site, the Daguang Academy has undergone renovations but still preserves its century-old architectural form. The adjacent areas have been converted into kindergartens, so the former book society continues to serve an educational purpose, nurturing the future leaders of the nation.


▲The areas adjacent to Daguan Book Society have been converted into kindergartens, so the former book society continues to serve an educational purpose, nurturing the future leaders of the nation.

A statue of Confucius stands in the courtyard, giving the academy a Confucian temple-like atmosphere. A guard on duty mentioned that the Wenchang Dijun enshrined in the main hall, along with the book boy and sword boy on either side, are the oldest divine statues in New Taipei City. Every Teachers’ Day, a Confucius worship ceremony is held here, though due to space constraints, the Eight-Row Dance cannot be performed. However, during exam season, many students still come to pray for success.

A Historical Relic in the City: The Lin Family Garden

Originally named the Banqiao Villa, the Lin Benyuan Estate—also known as the Lin Family Garden—is one of the three famous structures of the Lin family in Banqiao, alongside the “Three-Courtyard Mansion” and the “Five-Courtyard Mansion.” Covering a total area of 17,331 pyeong (approximately 57,000 square meters), the garden took 40 years to build. The architecture features a rigorous layout, elegant proportions, and materials including those imported from China and precious camphor wood from Taiwan. The interior is lavishly decorated with exquisite craftsmanship, and the roof adopts the iconic “swallowtail” design, making it one of the finest buildings in Taiwan at the time. The garden’s designs all carry auspicious or didactic meanings. The pavilions, terraces, towers, and chambers within are exquisitely delicate, surrounded by winding corridors, rockeries, and ponds, earning it the reputation of “the finest garden in Taipei.”


▲The Lin Family Garden features a rigorous layout, elegant proportions, and materials including those imported from China and precious camphor wood from Taiwan.

The Jiangnan-style garden is representative of traditional Taiwanese garden design, and the Banqiao Lin Family Garden is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists coming to Taipei. From the outside, the garden boasts beautiful traditional Chinese walls and tall trees—it’s hard to imagine such ancient architecture exists in the city. With pavilions and towers at every turn, the ingenious design reveals different beauties when viewed from various angles. Stepping into the garden feels like traveling back in time to the Qing Dynasty. Foreign visitors are always left in awe; Zack, a tourist from the U.S., excitedly said he loves Chinese culture and finds these historical buildings fascinating. He plans to take photos of these beautiful sights back to the U.S. to share with his family and friends.

After more than a century, the Lin Family Garden bears deep historical imprints. The site management advises visitors to be cautious as the historic structure is fragile. Additionally, the Three-Courtyard Mansion is privately owned and only opens five times a day for guided tours. However, due to safety concerns over slipping roof tiles on the side wings, only one section is currently open for tours. While modern people often flock to the seaside or mountains for scenic views, they often overlook the tranquility and historical beauty hidden within the urban jungle.

Hidden Culinary Gems: Stinky Tofu and Shaved Ice

Around the Lin Family Garden, there are many delicious snacks that have been around for 30 or 40 years. One such place is“Nostalgic Pickled Vegetable Stinky Tofu”. Though the shop looks humble and unassuming, it is always bustling with customers. The stinky tofu is made by the owner using fermented vegetables, with no additives whatsoever. The pickled vegetables are made from high-mountain cabbage, seasoned with salt, sugar, and other ingredients, then pickled for two days, resulting in a flavor that is tangy yet sweet, fresh and crisp. The owner says achieving the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and not greasy—requires precise frying skills. Many graduates from Taipei National University of the Arts still return occasionally to “reminisce” about this classic snack.

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