Hsiang Yun Mountain Villa Introduction
Xiaoyun Mountain Villa was built in the fifth year of the Tongzhi era (1866) by Lü Bingnan, who invested in its construction to support Madame Zhang. At the time of its completion, Lü Bingnan's reputation reached its peak. He had three sons: Lü Ruyu, Lü Ruxiu, and Lü Rucheng, all of whom were successful scholars. The scholar Wu Ziguang praised them as the "Three Phoenixes of Haidong." During the Japanese colonial period, Xiaoyun Mountain Villa produced two poets, Lü Hou'an and Lü Yunbai, who were members of the Wufeng Oak Society. As Taiwan fell under Japanese rule, they tirelessly promoted poetry education and upheld Han Chinese historical culture. The Xiaoyun Mountain Villa from the Qing dynasty is designed in a two-section single dragon style, functioning as a quadrangle courtyard facing south. The entrance hall and gate tower feature defensive gun holes. The front and rear sections and gate tower are adorned with decorations such as Jiaozhi pottery, mud sculptures, brick carvings, cut-and-paste art, and paintings. The second and third dragon guards of the Duqing Hall are symmetrically arranged on either side of the main house. The Xiaoyun Pavilion and Reception Building extend from the left side of Duqing Hall, creating a scholarly and leisurely world for literati. The villa has a rich waterway system and complete defensive facilities. The overall architecture spans three eras: Qing Dynasty, Japanese rule, and the Republic of China, brilliantly integrating different cultural styles. It holds significant historical and cultural value, representing a microcosm of residential development in Taiwan and is quite rare. Opening hours: Open by appointment every Sunday. Please click the reservation link to make an appointment. Image source: Cultural Assets Department, Taichung City Government.
