Yih Fang Ju Historic House Introduction
Yifangju is an ancient residence built by the Chen clan, early pioneers in Taipei, originally from Anxi County, Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, their ancestor crossed the sea to Taiwan for reclamation. They had already established housing prior, and it was only in the early Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty that they invested heavily in constructing Yifangju. This traditional triad courtyard house is a typical ancient residence of the Taipei Basin, featuring an entrance with a concave longevity design. The walls are made of sturdy brick and stone, with fewer openings for doors and windows. Additionally, there is a two-story gun cabinet on the outer wall for self-defense against bandit attacks. Many of its windows are made of stone, sourced from local sandstone in Taipei, showcasing regional characteristics. The plaque above the door reads "Yifangju," dated to the Bingzi year, which is estimated to be built in the second year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty. As modern Taipei develops rapidly, ancient residences like Yifangju from the Qing Dynasty are becoming increasingly rare, serving as a historical testament to the development of Taipei.
