Red Hair Well Introduction
The Historical Trail - Hongmao Well This well, dug by the Dutch three hundred years ago, is called "Lan Well." It is also referred to as "Hongmao Well" due to the red hair of the Dutch. In 1636, during the ninth year of the Ming Chongzhen era, shortly after the Dutch East India Company subdued the Zhuluo Mountain indigenous tribe, they stationed officials and missionaries at this site to collect taxes from the local plain tribes and Han people, as well as to spread Christianity among the indigenous people. They dug this well to provide a water source necessary for daily life. During the Zheng period, General Wu Zhiwu garrisoned and cultivated the land at Zhuluo Mountain, setting up camp to the north of this well and renovating it. There are no records of repairs afterwards during the Qing era, but in the 27th year of the Qianlong reign, Zhuluo County Magistrate Wei Keyu praised this well for its delicious water, ranking it as the best in all of Zhuluo Mountain and listing "Lan Well Spring" as one of the eight scenic spots of Zhuluo. Before the Qing era ended, scholar Xu Deqin from Chiayi remarked about the water of this well: "It cleanses the heart and calms the mind, its sweetness surpasses fine nectar; it is suitable for brewing tea using a silver pot, and who can fetch water from it like snow?" It was regarded as the best among the waters of Chiayi. Historical records state: "Hongmao Well is located to the left of the county office. It was opened by the Dutch and named accordingly. It is six feet wide and about two fathoms deep, with water that is more refreshing than other wells. It is said that residents who drink from this well are not afflicted by epidemics. During the Zheng period, there was a Wu Zhiwu who guarded this place and renovated it." "Lan Well Spring" was once listed as one of the eight scenic spots of Zhuluo. In 1985, the Ministry of the Interior temporarily classified this site as a third-level historic site. However, during the evaluation, due to the messy surrounding environment and the well railing being a new construction from 1959, it was removed from the list of historic sites. Nevertheless, Hongmao Well remains the earliest historical site in Chiayi City.
