Chi Shan Lou Introduction
Built during the Japanese colonial period in the 31st year of the Meiji era (1898), the ancestors of the Lai family, Zhengrong Gong, moved from Touzhang to the present-day Erfenpu and constructed a two-part courtyard. The original gate tower of the three-part courtyard was built using earth and was not very conspicuous. In the 13th year of the Taisho era (1924), Chongren Gong, following the advice of a Tangshan geographer, built a new gate tower to the south of the old one, hoping that the family business would thrive thereafter. The new gate tower was named Jishan Tower, which encourages future generations to do good and help others. Jishan Tower was designed and constructed by renowned craftsmen from Tangshan, at a considerable cost. Its solid structure has withstood the test of time for decades. The wood used for the beams and columns is Fuzhou cedar, and the eaves are decorated with tubular tiles and hanging tiles, featuring floral sculptures and mirrors, with exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters. The beauty is unparalleled. Behind the gate tower, there are five ancient banyan trees with intertwined roots and dense foliage, providing a serene place that allows one to reflect and feel a sense of nostalgia. Extracted from the Taichung City Cultural Heritage Office.
