Lithuanian Studies Academy

Taipei Attractions

理學堂大書院-水池

The "College of Moral Studies," also known as the "Oxford Hall," was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training personnel in missions, healthcare, and education by the church at that time. Mackay named it after his hometown county, "Oxford," to show gratitude for the support from the local people. The Oxford Hall can be considered the cradle of universities such as Tunghai University and Tamkang Senior High School. The architecture features rich elements of traditional Chinese design, personally designed by Dr. Mackay, with a balanced and symmetrical structure facing south. The roof is adorned with eight small pagodas instead of a cross. The materials used include clear bricks and Min Nan tiles, both imported from Xiamen. The small red bricks are coated with paint to protect against wind and rain, and they are slightly flatter and longer than local bricks. The rammed earth is made from steamed glutinous rice mixed with lime and syrup. It is currently listed as a national second-level historical site.

Address：32, Zhenli St., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City 251, Taiwan

Lithuanian Studies Academy Introduction

The Lixue Hall, also known as the Oxford Academy, was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training personnel in missionary work, medicine, and education. Dr. Mackay named it after his hometown, "Oxford," to express gratitude for the support from his fellow townspeople. From 1872 to 1880, Dr. Mackay engaged in outdoor teaching, preaching by the roadside, under banyan trees, by streams, or by the sea. Recognizing the importance of founding the school, he raised funds while returning to Canada in 1880 and began construction upon his return to Tamsui. The Oxford Academy can be considered the cradle of institutions like Aletheia University and Tamkang Senior High School. The architecture is rich in traditional Chinese elements and was designed by Dr. Mackay himself, featuring a balanced and symmetrical layout facing south. Eight small pagodas are placed on the roof in lieu of crosses. The materials used include clear water bricks and Minnan tiles, both imported from Xiamen. The small red bricks are coated with paint for protection against rain and wind, and their dimensions are slightly flatter and longer than local bricks. The adobe is made from steamed glutinous rice mixed with lime and syrup. It has been designated as a National Level 2 Historic Site.

Historical Sites

Lithuanian Studies Academy Travel Information

Address：32, Zhenli St., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City 251, Taiwan

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

Other Nearby Attractions： Pastor's House and Maiden's Tower 、 Former British Consulate in Tamsui 、 Fort San Domingo (Tamsui Historical Museum) 、 Mackay Memorial Hospital 、 Tamsui Fisherman’s Cultural Museum 、 Little White House (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) 、 Tamsui Octagonal Tower 、 Tamsui Customs Wharf Park 、 Mackay Cemetery 、 Xin Bo Li Simple Bookstore

Nearby Cuisine： Ancre Café 、 Bamku Food Co., Ltd. 、 Tamsui Cultural A-Gei 、 Three Sisters A-gei 、 Craneground Bean Shop 、 Rongti Water Bay Restaurant 、 Dahui Master (Tamkang Store) 、 AMANDA CAFE 、 Baiye Wenzhou Dumplings 、 Tamsui Red House Cafe