Dehsing Community Old House Introduction
Chiayi County's traditional industries have historically been centered around agriculture, which is why traditional Minnan-style Sanheyuan (three-part courtyards) can be seen almost everywhere in the area. Among them, the chessboard-style Sanheyuan settlements in the Dexing Li of Puzi City are the most distinctive. Dexing Li, also known as Xinjizhuang, features a Sanheyuan settlement where all buildings face south. These traditional houses, with red brick tiles, were initially overlooked as they stood in the historical trajectory of time. However, with the rise of high-rise buildings around them, these chessboard-style settlements were caught in a juxtaposition, appearing particularly out of place. Later, the older residents of the Dexing community had a brilliant idea to revamp the alley environment, beginning to plant flowers and grass, thus beautifying their facades. As a result, Dexing Li can be said to be the first community in Chiayi County to incorporate alley planning and renovation projects. The entire village's residents worked together, young and old alike, to fully preserve and beautify the three east-west and four north-south alleyways, as well as 112 traditional five-bay Sanheyuan houses. To this day, the chessboard-style Sanheyuan settlement, retaining its original look, has transformed into a treasure of the community filled with rich cultural vibes. It annually attracts countless tourists, architecture students and teachers, as well as civic groups and cultural historians. In 2004, it was even awarded as an excellent community in the Ministry of the Interior’s community development evaluation, a great pride for all residents of Dexing Li.
