Wufeng Lin Family Garden and Lin Hsien-tang Museum Area Introduction
Lin Hsien-tang Museum is dedicated to Mr. Lin Hsien-tang, who lived during a time of transition between old and new ideologies, embodying the strengths of both traditional and modern intellectuals. This blend of characteristics made Mr. Lin one of the greatest figures in Taiwan's early 20th century. The museum showcases historical documents related to the Wu-Feng Lin family, ancient manuscripts, original diaries of Lin Hsien-tang, calligraphy, manuscripts, archives, postcards, daily necessities, furniture used by the Wu-Feng Lin family, and significant works of literature and art. Entering the museum allows one to appreciate Taiwan's craftsmanship and exquisite culture, akin to reading a biography of Mr. Lin Hsien-tang intertwined with a splendid and vivid history of Taiwan. Laiyuan, known as the foremost among Taiwan’s four famous gardens, is the back garden of the Wu-Feng Lin family. After Mr. Lin Wen-chin passed the imperial examination in 1893, he constructed this garden to express gratitude to his mother, Madam Lo, for her upbringing, naming it "Laiyuan" based on the tale of Lao Lai Zi who donned colorful garments to entertain his parents. Laiyuan is a beautiful garden situated by the mountains and waters, featuring national historic sites such as Wu Gui Lou, Fei Shuang Zui Yue Pavilion, Xiao Xi Pond, and Mu Mian Bridge, perfectly blending nature with culture, creating a scenic spot famous throughout Taiwan. Rong Jing Zhai was established in 1838, initially serving as a residence. In 1887, Lin Wen-chin remodeled it into a private study (commonly called "New Learning"), naming it "Rong Jing Zhai" based on a reference from "Youyang Zazu" about passing the imperial exam under the "Rongjing" (lotus mirror). This was a place where Mr. Lin Hsien-tang learned traditional Chinese studies with his family from a young age. Its architectural style follows the traditional academy layout, featuring an anteroom resembling that of a Confucian temple, with a pond in the courtyard, a main hall that serves as a lecture room, and an elegant pavilion in front, making it one of the most complete private academies in Taiwan and a significant center for Chinese studies in central Taiwan at that time. Jing Xun Lou is the main residence of the Lin Hsien-tang family, divided into three courtyards with nine openings, colloquially described as "the big house has nine sections and five doors, three levels with one hundred and two doors." It is a traditional compound-style residence. Construction commenced in 1864 by Lin Dian-guo, and in 1867, Lin Wen-feng completed the outer protective structures and the main gatehouse of Jing Xun Lou; by 1883, Lin Wen-chin completed the main part of the second section and parts of the third section. Later, during the Japanese colonial period, Lin Hsien-tang renovated and expanded the main hall, adding a grape trellis in front and rebuilding the original gatehouse, resulting in the scale we see today. The main hall features movable decorations, including "Bagua" and "Sihsi" carvings, and dual views of "Eagle Hero Independence," along with bracket sets symbolizing "Fish Leaping over the Dragon Gate." On both sides of the main hall, large vases symbolize safe passage through all four seasons, encompassing a wide variety of traditional architectural styles. All the above information is provided by the Lin Hsien-tang Museum within the Wu-Feng Lin Family Garden.
