Li Hsueh Tang Academy

Taipei Attractions

理學堂大書院-水池

The "Lixuetang Academy," also known as "Oxford Hall," was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training missionaries, medical personnel, and educators by the church at that time. Mackay named it after his hometown county, "Oxford," to express gratitude for the support from the locals. Oxford Hall can be regarded as the cradle of universities such as Tunghai University and Tamkang High School. Architecturally, it is rich in traditional Chinese style, personally designed by Dr. Mackay, featuring a balanced and symmetrical design, oriented north-south. The roof is decorated with eight small pagodas instead of a cross. The materials used include clear bricks and Minnan tiles, all imported from Xiamen. The small red bricks are painted on the outside to protect against wind and rain and are slightly flatter and longer than local ones; the rammed earth is made from steamed glutinous rice mixed with lime and syrup. It is currently listed as a national second-level historic site.

Address：32 Zhenli Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251

Li Hsueh Tang Academy Introduction

The Lixue Hall, also known as the Oxford Hall, was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training missionaries, medical personnel, and educators for the church. Dr. Mackay named it "Oxford" in honor of the support from his hometown, symbolizing gratitude and remembrance. Between 1872 and 1880, Dr. Mackay preached in an open-air teaching style by the roadside, under banyan trees, by streams, or along the coast. Recognizing the importance of founding a school, he raised funds during his return to Canada in 1880 and began construction upon his return to Tamsui. The Oxford Hall can be considered the cradle of Tamkang University and Tamsui High School, and its architecture reflects rich traditional Chinese architectural elements. It was personally designed by Dr. Mackay and features a balanced symmetry facing south, with eight small pagodas on the roof in place of crosses. The building materials include clear water bricks and Min Nan tiles, both imported from Xiamen, with the small red bricks painted outside to protect against rain, and their dimensions are slightly flatter and longer than local bricks. The earth mixture consists of steamed glutinous rice, lime, and syrup. It has currently been designated as a national second-class historic site.

Historical Sites

Li Hsueh Tang Academy Travel Information

Address：32 Zhenli Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251

Transportation Methods：【Public Transportation】1. Bus: Take the Guide Bus Shulin-Danhai Line or the Sanchong Bus Danhai-Banqiao Line, and get off at Hongmao Castle Station or Tamsui University Station. 2. MRT transfer to bus: Go to Tamsui MRT Station and take buses Red 36, Red 38, Red 51, 837, 869, 870, 871, 872, or 873 to Tamsui University Station or Hongmao Castle Station. 【Driving】1. National Highway No. 1 → Exit Wugu → Head north on Xin Tai 5th Road → Pass Chengtai Road → Cross Guandu Bridge → Connect to Minquan Road → Zhongzheng East Road → Zhongzheng Road → Tamsui Street.

Other Nearby Attractions： Pastor's Office and Girl's House 、 Former British Consulate in Tamsui 、 Fort San Domingo (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) 、 Mackay Memorial Hospital 、 Tamsui Fishing Industry Life Culture Image Museum 、 Little White House (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) 、 Tamsui Octagonal Tower 、 Tamsui Customs Wharf Park 、 Mackay Memorial Cemetery 、 Simple Bookstore

Nearby Cuisine： Danshui Consular Coffee Shop 、 Ancre Café 、 Bamku Food Co., Ltd. 、 Chai Mi Couple Chinese Noodle House 、 Yang Ji A-gei 、 Tamsui Cultural A-Gei 、 Three Sisters A-gei 、 Red-crowned Crane Bean Shop 、 Rongti Shuiwan Restaurant 、 Dagu Master (Tamkang Store)