Dongli Family Style - Century-Old House Introduction
Yuanli Township was originally a habitat for the Takasago people (also known as the Pingpu people). Before the Qing Dynasty, there were four communities of the Takasago people: the Fangli Community, the Yuanli Community, the Maoyu Community, and the Ribei Community. In the area of Zhonggouwei (the western end of the Zhonggou area), the terrain is flat and expansive. The "Zheng Family Settlement of Zhonggou" was built by the ancestors under the guidance of enlightened individuals. The overall architectural layout of the "Zheng Family Settlement of Zhonggou" faces south, with the mountains at the back to the north and a stream in front to the south. On the right is the "Old Zheng House," in the middle is the "Dongli Family Courtyard," a traditional Sanheyuan (three-sided courtyard) complex, and on the left is the "Zheng Residence," a Japanese-style ancient building. These structures form an extraordinarily large settlement that is quite spectacular. The "Dongli Family Courtyard" features traditional Sanheyuan architecture, making it one of the few well-preserved red brick and glazes pottery buildings in Taiwan. Under government guidance for renovation and protection, it showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese architectural techniques, displaying the finely sculpted original architectural artistry. The century-old dragon cypress tree in the courtyard, along with the complete Sanheyuan structure connecting the four auxiliary buildings (rooms), creates a distinctive area for homestays, attracting various television stations to film on location. It is also one of the important tourist attractions in Yuanli Township.
