Wang Jishi Western-style Mansion Introduction
Many tourists are amused by the name of the Wang Jishi Western-style House in Anping, pondering why such a beautiful old house has such a rustic name. Built in 1937, the Wang Jishi Western-style House was the most luxurious residence in Anping at the time, standing out among the traditional Fujian-style bungalows. The name comes from the owner's name, Mr. Wang Jishi. During the Japanese colonial period, Mr. Wang became wealthy by undertaking transportation work for the Japanese Salt Association, and he built this western-style house to live in. The two-story building was the tallest structure in Anping at the time. Later, when World War II broke out, to prevent the house's prominent appearance from becoming a target for Allied bombing, it was painted black with tar by the Japanese, and traces of this paint can still be seen today. Next to the house, there are unique stone benches that served as ballast stones for boats traveling to Heishuigou in the early days. It is common to see such ballast stones in Anping, with some used as stone steps or planks, while others are casually placed in yards, allowing tired visitors to rest on them. The Wang Jishi Western-style House is still inhabited by the descendants of the Wang family, so visitors are reminded to be respectful and not disturb their living environment when visiting.
