Peiguitang - Lin K'ai-tai Clinic Former Residence Introduction
Dr. Lin Kai-tai (1895–1942) was a prominent poet and calligrapher in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. After graduating from the Governor-General's Medical School of Taiwan in 1916, he returned home to practice medicine, treating impoverished patients for free, earning him the titles "Poet Doctor" and "Sage" among local residents. Dr. Lin's father, Lin Wei-chao (1868–1934), a scholar during the late Qing Dynasty, was renowned in southern Taiwan for his poetry and calligraphy. During the Japanese colonial period, he taught at home, organized poetry societies, and maintained the heritage of Han culture. He mobilized local residents to rebuild the Fengtian Temple and Daxing Temple, becoming a highly respected leader in Xinkang. In 1933, Dr. Lin's family moved into this residence. The front part of the building served as a clinic, while the back was the living space for the family. The principal architecture combines Fujianese, Japanese, and Western styles, with all buildings devoid of any decorations, featuring raw wood walls, red bricks, and red tiles, lending a simple and elegant appearance. The Lin family had a rich literary legacy, with 43 family members including Mr. Lin's children, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law, producing 15 doctors and 24 masters, leading locals to affectionately nickname the Lin residence "Doctor's Nest," among which several are well-known figures in society. The eldest son, Lin Jin-sheng, was the first elected magistrate of Chiayi County and held various important positions including magistrate of Yunlin County, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Transportation, and Senior Adviser to the Presidential Office. The second son, Lin Xin-ze, served as the director of the Taiwan Provincial Tuberculosis Prevention Institute and as the head of the WHO Western Pacific International Anti-Tuberculosis Advisory Team. Other children took on significant roles in Taiwan and the United States, while the eldest grandson, Lin Huai-min, founded the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre and is an internationally respected choreographer. In 2016, the Chiayi County Government designated this residence as a historical site due to its profound value in history, architecture, medicine, politics, and culture. The Lin family, adhering to their family motto of "public interest before personal gain," donated the residence, which underwent two years of renovation, and was opened to the public in early 2023, providing a cultural experience venue for society.
Peigui Hall - Former Residence of Dr. Lin KAITai
Peikuei Hall - Former Residence of Dr. Lin KAITAI 3
