Dongli Family Style - Century-old House Introduction
Yuanli Township was originally the habitat of the Dacos (also known as the Pingpu) people. Before the Qing Dynasty, there were four Dacos communities: "Fangli," "Yuanli," "Mao-Yu," and "Ribei." The area around Zhonggouwei (the western end of the Zhonggou area) has a flat and expansive terrain, where the "Zhonggou Zheng Family Settlement" was built under the guidance of ancestors. The entire architectural layout of the "Zhonggou Zheng Family Settlement" faces north and south; from a distance in the south, one can see that it is backed by mountains to the north and faces a stream to the south. To the right is the "Zheng Family Old House," in the center is the "Dongli Family Courtyard," a grand triple courtyard, and to the left is the "Zheng Residence," a Japanese-style ancient building, all connected to form an impressive large settlement. The "Dongli Family Courtyard," with its ancient appearance as a triple courtyard, is currently one of the few well-preserved red brick and tile structures combined with Jiao-Zhi pottery in Taiwan. With government assistance for repairs and protection, it showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese building techniques, demonstrating the intricate artistry of original architecture. Additionally, the century-old Dragon Cypress tree in the front courtyard complements the complete structure of the triple courtyard, which connects the four protective buildings (side rooms) on either side, making it a distinctive homestay area that attracts various television stations for filming. It is also one of Yuanli Township's key tourist attractions.
