Xu's Bamboo Pavilion Introduction
Located to the north of Touhu Junior High School, it is said that in the past, the residence was surrounded by bamboo, hence the name "Bamboo Pavilion." Another account suggests that the Xu family, being a scholarly family, produced many literati during the late Qing and Japanese rule periods. The Xu residence, situated on the southern bank of the Longjing Pool along the Houlong River, once built several bamboo pavilions to host poets and scholars from the mountain towns, giving rise to its name. The Bamboo Pavilion Xu Residence has its ancestral roots in Jiao Ling, Guangdong. Its 14th ancestor, Xu Haomin, crossed the sea to Taiwan during the Qianlong period and settled in the current site of Kantuo, Miaoli. It was initially built during the Guangxu period and underwent minor renovations after the earthquake in the 24th year of the Republic of China, and it remains relatively intact today. The front courtyard is divided into inner and outer sections, with a stone pedestal for a tribute to degree holders located on the right side of the outer courtyard. The roof adopts a swallowtail style, and the windows and doors of the main hall are intricately carved, with delicate floral decorations. Inside the hall, the ancestors of the Xu family are enshrined in the East China Hall, with the back door of the main hall behind the altar, a layout that is quite rare. Not far from the Xu Residence, Longjing Pool is located at the confluence of Laotianliao Stream and Houlong River. It is a deep pool that was once wide and served as the best place for local villagers to hold dragon boat races and for literati to row boats while enjoying the moon and composing poetry. Thus, "Dragon Pond Moonviewing" was once one of the eight scenic spots.
