Hsu's Bamboo Pavilion Introduction
Located to the north of Touhu Junior High School. It is said that in the past, the dwelling was surrounded by lush bamboo, hence the name "Bamboo Pavilion." Another story suggests that the Xu family, being from a scholarly lineage, produced many literati during the late Qing Dynasty and the Japanese colonial period. The Xu residence is situated on the southern bank of Longjing Pond in the Houlong River, where a few bamboo pavilions were built to host poets and literati from the mountain town, thus earning its name. The Bamboo Pavilion of the Xu family traces its roots to Jiaoling, Guangdong. Its 14th ancestor, Xu Hao-min, crossed the sea to Taiwan during the Qianlong period and settled at the current site in Kantu Touhu, Miaoli. Originally built during the Guangxu period, it was slightly renovated after the major earthquake in the 24th year of the Republic, and it is still quite well-preserved today. The front courtyard is divided into inner and outer gardens, with a stone pedestal for the listing of officials on the right side of the outer garden. The roof adopts a swallow-tail style, and the doors and windows of the main hall are intricately carved, with exquisite floral decorations. Inside the hall, ancestors of the Xu family are enshrined in the East Sea Hall, and the back door of the main hall is located behind the altar, a layout that is quite rare. Not far from the Xu residence, Longjing Pond is located at the confluence of Laotianliao Creek and the Houlong River. It is a deep pond that was once wide, serving as the best location for local folks to compete in dragon boat racing and for literati to row boats, admire the moon, and compose poetry. Thus, "Longtan Fan Yue" was once one of the old eight scenic spots.
