A Qing dynasty-era (1644-1911) mansion reopened after six years of restoration work May 11 in Taichung City, central Taiwan, according to the local government’s Cultural Heritage Department.
Built in 1879 by Taichung native Gen. Lin Qi-zhong, the 8,064-square-meter structure is situated in Tanzi District. Its Chinese quadrangle is widely praised for elegance of design and traditional craftsmanship in brick, stone and wood carving.
“The city can take pride in the rebirth of the mansion,” Taichung City Mayor Jason Hu said at a ceremony celebrating the event. “In addition to preserving the building’s rich cultural heritage, we are returning it to its former glory.”
According to the department, the owner of the building decided to sell the property to a real estate developer in 1997. But central and local governments quickly intervened, joining with historians and researchers to purchase the land for NT$250 million (US$8.3 million) and designate the structure as a historical monument.
Department Director Chang You-chuang said the building will be managed by a private entity under the operation-transfer model and developed into a cultural and creative center for promoting related activities.
Chang expects the site to become a top cultural asset for the city, spurring local tourism and providing opportunities for visitors to appreciate the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and culture. (SFC-JSM)
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