Zhuang Gong Sheng Old House Introduction
Zhuang Tingcan, whose ancestral home is in the Guiyang Township of Nanjing, Zhangzhou, Fujian, had his great-grandfather Zhuang Zhaoxin move to Taiwan in 1756. His father, Zhuang Yuanzhu, relocated to Shuangxi in 1851 (the first year of the Xianfeng era), maintaining a family tradition of agriculture and education. Zhuang Tingcan became a juren (provincial graduate) in 1877 (the third year of the Guangxu era) and was awarded a stipend in 1888 (the fourteenth year of the Guangxu era). In 1895 (the year of Yimid), he returned to Zhangzhou to avoid the Japanese army, and in 1901 (the twenty-seventh year of the Guangxu era), he participated in the provincial examination in Zhangzhou. He later returned to Shuangxi to settle down in his old age. After becoming a juren, Zhuang Tingcan established the "Meizhu Garden" private school near his hometown, focusing on Confucian education and nurturing talent. During the Japanese occupation, the locals respectfully referred to him as a senior figure from the Qing dynasty. His elder brother, Jinbo, also passed the examination, and both brothers were respected, linking the "Zhuang Gongsheng" family closely with the local historical development, traditional Confucian teachings, and cultural advancement. This century-old house, built in traditional Minnan architectural style, is one of the few ancient houses still in use in the Shuangxi District. The overall structure of the house has not changed significantly, with no modern decorations applied to the interior walls, showcasing its original stone appearance. Although the exterior of the ancient house has weathered the years, the intricate carvings remain clearly visible, particularly the tea flower relief on the side room, symbolizing prosperity, which is well-preserved and worth seeing. The Zhuang Yeesheng Ancient House is located opposite the Camellia Zhuang Educational Agricultural Park.
