A new life philosophy of tranquil joy – TheOne Nanyuan’s “2010 Joyful Year”

Originally built by architect Han Pao-teh for United Daily News founder Wang Ti-wu, Nanyuan has, since TheOne’s involvement, created a space embodying a new oriental humanities lifestyle. Since its opening, it has operated on an appointment-only visiting system, guiding visitors through entry, in-depth tours, and lakeside dining, setting a trend in cultural tourism. As TheOne Nanyuan officially celebrates its first full year in operation, it ushers in 2010 with a new life philosophy called “Joyful Year.”

TheOne aims to create an immersive experience that engages all five senses and six faculties, allowing every visitor to discover joy in the simplest things. For 2010, TheOne Nanyuan will explore various aspects of life—books, calligraphy, tranquility, conversation, wine, planting, music, tea, observation, and chess—to convey the concept of finding joy in everyday moments. An example is the upcoming “Wine Cup Floating Along the Winding Stream” event: wine cups are placed in a gently flowing stream, and as they drift downstream, guests seated along the banks wait for a cup to stop before them, then take a sip. By reviving this elegant pastime of ancient scholars, it offers a simple, non-material form of spiritual enjoyment.

Aside from the 2010 Joyful Year, TheOne Nanyuan regularly attracts many artists. Calligrapher Jiang Qiuyang has a studio in one of the garden’s chambers, and visitors strolling through may catch him creating large-scale brush calligraphy on the ground. Guzheng musician Chen Zhicheng also performs regularly at Shui Feng Xuan, filling the air with music.

The South Building of Nanyuan was designed by Han Pao-teh, inspired by Zhao Boju of the Song Dynasty’s painting “A Pavilion Painting.” It combines elements of Jiangnan garden architecture, Southern Fujian construction styles, and Taiwanese craftsmanship to form a dragon-shaped complex encircling a pond. To match the varying heights of the surrounding hills, the building is concentrated on the left side. From the South Building downwards are the Qin Yin Ge (Music Pavilion), Bamboo Garden, Orchid Garden, and Osmanthus Garden. The flow of water integrates seamlessly with the buildings, with each chamber featuring its own pond and pavilion. Intricate carvings, blue-green glazes, and gold accents are handcrafted by artisans, adorned with auspicious patterns and window designs—such as the peace-symbolizing vase-shaped “Peace Gate” and the butterfly-shaped “Butterfly Window” representing blessings layered upon blessings.

Strolling through these classic Chinese gardens, with occasional sounds of traditional music drifting by, you can truly feel the essence of ancient life.

TheOne Nanyuan
Address: No. 32, Jiuxiong Lake, Xinpeng Township, Hsinchu County
Phone: 03-589-0011
Website: nanyuan.theonestyle.com

Read more: “Architecture Aesthetics of ‘A Piece of Cloth’” (provided by Tripass Attractions)