Dexing Li Old House Introduction
Chiayi County's traditional industries have primarily centered around agriculture, leading to the prevalence of traditional Minnan-style Sanheyuan (three-in-one courtyard) architecture scattered throughout the area. Among these, the checkerboard-style Sanheyuan settlement in the Daxing Village of Puzi City stands out as the most distinctive. Daxing Village, also known as Xinjizhuang, features a Sanheyuan settlement consisting entirely of buildings oriented north to south. These traditional red brick houses were initially overlooked in the passage of time, and as modern high-rises began to emerge around them, the checkerboard-style Sanheyuan became increasingly out of place and conflicted with their surroundings. However, the elder residents of the Daxing community had a clever idea to revitalize the alleyways by planting flowers and greenery to beautify their environment. Therefore, Daxing Village can be considered one of the first communities in Chiayi County to implement alleyway planning and renovation projects. The cooperation among all village residents, young and old, has led to efforts to preserve and enhance the three east-west and four north-south alleyways, as well as 112 traditional five-bay Sanheyuan. To this day, the checkerboard-style Sanheyuan settlement has transformed into a treasured asset of the community, brimming with rich cultural ambiance. It attracts numerous tourists, students and faculty from architecture-related programs, as well as community groups and cultural historians each year. In 2004, it was even awarded the Ministry of the Interior's community development performance evaluation as an excellent community, much to the pride of the Daxing villagers.
