Zhubei Wenli Hall Introduction
Zhubei Liujia, formerly known as Liuzhangli, got its name from the area of reclaimed land, calculated by every five “jia” (a traditional land measurement) as one “zhangli,” indicating a place with thirty “jia” of cultivated land. It was renamed Liujia in 1920 during the Japanese rule. Before the Han Chinese settled in this area, it was referred to as "Wulun Maomaohuangpu." In 1737, the Zhou family from Jinjiang, Quanzhou came to this place for reclamation. In 1749, the Pingpu people of the Zhuchien tribe also moved to this wasteland and established Dongxing Village. By 1752, people from Raoping, Lin Qintang and Lin Sunzhang, along with Lin Juzhen and Lin Xiankun from Lukang, reclaimed Liuzhangli and built the Liuzhangli Canal, extensively cultivating the area. They later returned to invite Lin Sunfu and Lin Sunyan to join in the reclamation, establishing Shanquingtang, thus laying the foundation for the Lin family in Zhubei Liujia. Thanks to his talent and efforts, Lin Xiankun united the clan's power to develop Liujia, quickly rising from tenant farmer to a small landowner. Due to his dedication to public welfare, his social status rose, and during the Lin Shuangwen rebellion, he rallied the villagers to form a militia to protect their homeland and assisted the Qing army in restoring order. For this, he was awarded the "Baolong" plaque and military honors by the Qing court. His third son, Lin Guobao, followed his father's example and contributed significantly during the reconstruction of Zhuchien City, donating money and effort. During the Jiaqing period, he was awarded a government position as a monitoring student, and later, along with his ancestors, he was granted the title of "Fengzhi Dafu," adding much honor and prestige to the Lin family. The Wenlitang Hall was built in the 12th year of the Daoguang reign (1832), following the success of Lin Guobao's son, Lin Shengbao (Qiu Hua), who passed the county examination for martial candidates in the 11th year of the Daoguang reign (1831). Thus, in the following year, a site was chosen to build Wenlitang, erecting a flagpole to enhance their prestige, becoming known as the "North and South Halls" together with the official residence and serving as the Lin family's conference hall. After Lin Qiu Hua passed the martial examination, his contributions to local development were outstanding. In the 13th year of the Daoguang reign, he raised funds to develop areas such as Jiuqianglin and Sanchongpu. After the mid-Daoguang period, he also expanded into the Karamalan region, reclaiming hundreds of “jia.” His descendants further developed in Yilan, and there are local residences named Wenlitang, being descendants of the Lin family.
