Jiadong Hsiao Family Historic House Introduction
Jiadong Hsiao Family Ancient Residence was built during the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng period by the 19th-generation ancestor of the Hsiao family, who became wealthy through trade after arriving in Taiwan. They hired craftsmen from Tangshan to replicate the traditional layout of large residences from their hometown in Meixian, Guangdong. The building materials were transported from China to Taiwan. The ancient residence adopts a double-return style characteristic of Hakka roundhouses, meticulously designed with intricate decorations, making this building not only a beautiful representation of traditional Hakka architecture but also a blend of Holo style. It is one of the few five-section large residences in Taiwan, showcasing a grand exterior appearance and has been classified as a national historic site of level three. The Hsiao Family Ancient Residence features a five-section layout. The first hall serves as the entrance, the second hall is dedicated to ancestral tablets, the third hall honors deities including the God of Earth and the Dragon King of Wells and Kitchens, the fourth hall is Mingde Hall, and the fifth hall is the living quarters. A notable feature of the architecture is the height of the ridge, reflecting traditional Chinese hierarchical ethics. Notably, Buxuelou was originally designed as a study and a gathering place for literati. However, during Taiwan's cession to Japan, the Hakka people of the Liudui area resisted Japanese rule, leading to the famous Buxuelou Incident in Liudui history. Bullet holes can still be seen on the walls of Buxuelou today, which tell the stories of the bravery of Liudui ancestors in resisting Japanese invasion. After renovation, the Jiadong Hsiao Family Ancient Residence has preserved the original living spaces from its days of rice milling, brewing, and dyeing. It is now open to the public in a "living historic site privatization" manner, showcasing local artists' works, and providing a space for Hakka mountain songs and ensemble performances, aiming to promote it as a cultural center for the Jiadong area. After visiting the Hsiao Family Ancient Residence, you can head to the nearby Baozhong Gate (also known as West Aimen), which was constructed by the Hakka people of Liudui to prevent disturbances from outsiders. This gateway is a type of barrier gate, featuring a hard mountain structure with a ridge constructed from red bricks, white lime, and a small amount of wood, characterized by its swallow-tail ridge. The sides of the gate's architrave have circular holes, serving as gun ports for defense, making it a site of significant historical value.
