Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, compiled and reported by Ren Xiang
A memorial archway has been erected at the alley entrance opposite the Open University. Walk to the end of the alley from there to reach the Li Family Ancestral House. (Photo provided by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, photographed by Ren Xiang)
The Luzhou Li Family Ancestral House and General Li Youbang Memorial Museum is a national third-grade historic site, built in the 29th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty. It consists of three interconnected siheyuan courtyard complexes, with the main hall featuring five bays on the front and the rear hall having nine bays, totaling 60 rooms. After 23 years of meticulous restoration, the residence has been brought back to life for the public. Inside, visitors will find an exceptionally rich and detailed display of historical materials, covering everything from the history of the house to anti-Japanese war records and manuscripts handwritten by General Li.
Wall exhibits recount where the pride of the Li family lies. General Li, Taiwan’s first ethnic Chinese military officer, was also a resistance fighter against Japanese rule. He led the public in the fight against Japan during the Japanese occupation. However, after Taiwan’s retrocession, he was tragically wrongfully accused and killed during the White Terror period. It wasn’t until half a century later that his wife, Madam Yan Xiufeng, fought to clear his name, finally bringing justice to his unjust death. Most movingly, after spending decades vindicating her husband’s name, Madam Yan not only let go of her hatred but also took the initiative on behalf of the Li family to apply for the house to be designated as a cultural asset, turning it into a place for preserving history and promoting cultural education. What kind of strength drove this seemingly fragile woman to become a driving force behind amendments to the Cultural Assets Preservation Act? This is precisely the humanistic spirit passed down through the Li family.
A three-courtyard, multi-wing siheyuan complex with nine halls and 60 rooms gives a sense of the grandeur of the Li family. (Photo provided by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, photographed by Ren Xiang)
Strolling through this over 200-year-old residence, you’ll often encounter parents bringing their young children—it’s quite lively here, with daily activities like “grabbing age” (zhua zhou) and “collecting saliva” (shou xian) ceremonies. In recent years, the Li family has actively promoted international weddings, ancient-style apprenticeship ceremonies, traditional zhua zhou, and shou xian events, aiming to preserve cultural heritage and ensure sustainable operations.
The shou xian activity costs 750 NTD per group (for parents and baby), with 100 NTD charged for each accompanying family member. The zhua zhou activity costs 950 NTD per group (for parents and baby), with 100 NTD for each additional guest. For sessions in January 2014, reservations began on November 13, and the public can sign up via the official website.
The Li Family Ancestral House is more than just a historic site. It symbolizes the resilient and unpretentious spirit of the Taiwanese people and is also part of the daily lives of locals. Beneath its simple and sturdy bricks and tiles lies a powerful vitality that continues to pass on traditional culture and the spirit of the Taiwanese people.
A stone tablet at the entrance briefly describes the history of the Li Family Ancestral House. (Photo provided by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, photographed by Ren Xiang)
[INFO BOX]
Luzhou Li Family Ancestral House & General Li Youbang Memorial Museum
Address: No. 19, Lane 243, Zhongzheng Road, Luzhou District, New Taipei City
Hours: 09:00–17:00, ticket sales stop at 16:30, closed on Mondays
Phone: (02) 2283-8896
Admission: General admission 100 NTD, discounted ticket 60 NTD
Website: http://www.luchoulee.org.tw/
◎ View attraction → Luzhou Li Family Ancestral House & General Li Youbang Memorial Museum
www.mook.com.tw/scenery.php?op=sceneryinfo&sceneryid=55270
● Extended reading: 2014 Holiday Travel Planning – Book Early
www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9256
The ancestral home of the Li family is built in the architectural style of the Central Plains region of mainland China, also known as the “Central Plains House.” (Photo provided by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, photographed by Ren Xiang)