Yang Clan Ancestral Hall Introduction
Completed in 1923, the Yang Clan Ancestral Hall is an ancient house built by members of the Yang clan who contributed funds from various areas in Pingtung. This traditional Hakka Siheyuan architecture is situated on a terrain that is lower in the front and higher in the back, featuring a design that gradually descends on both sides from the center. Although it once faced demolition due to a new road construction plan, it was fortunately preserved through the efforts of the descendants of the Yang family and has been applied to become a National Historic Site of Grade Three. Traditional Hakka architecture places great importance on the quality of environmental feng shui, which can be clearly seen from the "Taiji Liangyi Pond" in front of the Yang Clan Ancestral Hall and the Earth Dragon God beneath the shrine. This is also a distinctly unique architectural landscape in Taiwan. In the heart-shaped pond, red bricks are used to form a Taiji pattern that represents the Yin and Yang. According to traditional feng shui theories that involve water management and Qi gathering, this design aims to achieve the expectation of prosperity and a thriving life. The Earth Dragon God channels the dragon vein of Mount Tawoo into the Taiji Liangyi Pond, creating dynamic feng shui that benefits future generations. Although the Taiji Liangyi Pond was constructed for feng shui reasons, the pond is filled with greenery, and lotus and water lily flowers bloom, adding a tranquil and elegant beauty to the area. The focus on the architectural decorations is equally impressive. The roof features a swallowtail design, giving the building a balanced and solemn appearance; the ridge is adorned with exquisite glazed ceramic artistry. The courtyard is paved with red bricks, and each side has a moon gate with decorative reliefs, Chaozhou ceramics, painted carvings, and bamboo-patterned windows, fully showcasing the delicacy and uniqueness of Hakka craftsmanship. The charm of the Yang Clan Ancestral Hall lies in its ability to exude a rich and genuine essence that has transcended time, a value unmatched by modern architecture, making it truly worth savoring.
