Xiaoyun Mountain Villa Introduction
Xiaoyun Villa was built in the fifth year of the Tongzhi era (1866) by Lu Bingnan to support Madam Zhang. At its completion, Lu Bingnan's reputation reached its peak. He had three sons—Ru Yu, Ru Xiu, and Ru Cheng—who all excelled in the imperial examination; scholar Wu Ziguan praised them as "Three Phoenixes of Haidong." During the Japanese occupation, Xiaoyun Villa produced two poets, Lu Hou'an and Lu Yunbai, both members of the Wufeng Li Society. At a time when Taiwan was under Japanese rule, they dedicated themselves to promoting poetry education and the preservation of Han culture. The Xiaoyun Villa, founded during the Qing dynasty, features a two-section, single-protective dragon layout, designed as a quadrangle facing south. The entrance hall and gatehouse have gun holes for defense, and the front and back sections, along with the gatehouse, are adorned with decorations such as Dongning pottery, clay sculptures, brick carvings, paper-cutting, and paintings. The second and third protective dragons of Duting Hall are symmetrically arranged on either side of the main house, while Xiaoyun Pavilion and the Reception Pavilion extend from the left side of Duting Hall, creating a cultured and leisurely world for literati. Xiaoyun Villa has a rich waterway system and complete defensive facilities, with its architecture spanning the Qing dynasty, the Japanese occupation, and the Republic of China periods. It cleverly combines different cultural styles, holding significant historic and cultural value and serving as a microcosm of residential development in Taiwan, making it a rare gem. Opening hours: By appointment only on Sundays; please click the reservation link to schedule a visit. Image source: Taichung City Government Cultural Assets Department.
