Hsiayun Mountain Villa Introduction
Xiaoyun Mountain Villa was built in the fifth year of the Tongzhi period (1866) by Lü Bingnan to support Madam Zhang. At the time of its completion, Lü Bingnan had reached the peak of his fame. Bingnan had three sons: Ruyu, Ruxiu, and Rucheng, all of whom were scholars, with the jinshi Wu Ziguang praising them as the "Three Phoenixes of Haidong." During the Japanese occupation, Xiaoyun Mountain Villa produced two poets, Lü Hou'an and Lü Yunbai, both members of the Wufeng Liche Society. As Taiwan fell under Japanese rule, they tirelessly promoted poetry education and advocated for the historical and cultural heritage of the Han people. The Xiaoyun Mountain Villa built in the Qing Dynasty is a two-section single-hall structure, configured as a courtyard facing south. The entrance hall and gate tower feature defensive gun loopholes. The front and back sections and the gate tower are decorated with various arts, including Cochin pottery, clay sculptures, brick carvings, paper-cutting, and painting. The second and third defensive structures of the Daqing Hall are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main building, while the Xiaoyun Pavilion and Reception Pavilion extend from the left side of Daqing Hall, creating a scholarly and leisurely world of literati. Xiaoyun Mountain Villa has a rich waterway system and complete defensive facilities. The overall architecture spans the Qing Dynasty, Japanese occupation, and the Republic of China era, ingeniously combining different cultural styles. It holds significant historical and cultural value, representing a microcosm of the development of Taiwanese residences and is considered rare. Opening hours: Open by appointment every Sunday; please click the appointment link to make a reservation. Source: Taichung City Government Cultural Heritage Office.
