Cai Ting-lan Jinshi Residence

Penghu Attractions

蔡廷蘭進士側面

Cai Tinglan is the only Jinshi (traditional Chinese scholar) from Penghu. The "Eight Scenic Spots of Penghu" poem is said to be a famous work of Cai Tinglan. During the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, Cai Tinglan built this Min-style architecture Jinshi Hall when he returned to his hometown to pay respect to his ancestors. In 2013, the "Cai Tinglan Jinshi Hall," which has a history of 167 years and is designated as a historical site by Penghu County, officially opened to the public after five years of restoration work costing tens of millions.

Address：No. 29, Shuangtougua, Magong City, Penghu County

Cai Ting-lan Jinshi Residence Introduction

Cai Jinshi's Residence, located in the upper village of Xingrenli in Magong City, Penghu, was built by Cai Tinglan, the first and only Jian Shi (a successful candidate in the imperial examination) from Penghu, after he passed the examination. The construction began in the 26th year of the Daoguang era (1846) and has been preserved to this day. Cai’s descent, Cai Tinglan, passed the imperial examination in the 24th year of the Daoguang era (1844) and became the first Jian Shi in Penghu. Born in the 6th year of the Jiaqing era (1801), he became a Huishi (a candidate for higher degrees) at the age of 13, subsequently attended schools, and excelled in multiple examinations, eventually being recognized as a talent in Penghu. He was known for his integrity and love for knowledge, and taught at Chongwen Academy, Yinxin Academy, and Wenshih Academy. In the 17th year of the Daoguang era (1837), he passed the provincial examinations. In the spring of the 24th year of the Daoguang era (1844), he took part in the capital examination and was selected as a Jian Shi, later appointed as a county magistrate in Jiangxi Province. His official career mainly took place on the mainland, and he eventually rose to the position of Tongzhi (a deputy magistrate). He passed away in the 9th year of the Xianfeng era (1859) while in office. Three years after being designated as Jian Shi, in the 26th year of the Daoguang era (1846), he returned to his hometown to honor his ancestors and built this residence to establish his family's status. The architectural features of the Jian Shi residence include a porch that is 4.5 meters wide and 3.3 meters deep, with a recessed facade. The side rooms adopt a hard mountain style of architecture with a hard mountain gable roof, featuring the only tail gable design in Penghu’s residences. Other constructions and decorations within the residence are also quite exquisite. In 2013, after five years of restoration costing tens of millions, the Penghu County designated historic site "Cai Tinglan's Jian Shi Residence," which is already 167 years old, was officially opened for public visits. **Recommended duration of stay:** 1 hour