The Fan Jiang family name is a rare double-surname in Taiwan, historically combining the surnames Fan and Jiang.
The first house was built in 1826, while the main ancestral hall was completed in 1885.
The architectural style is known as 'San He Yuan,' a U-shaped layout designed to facilitate communal family living.
The halls feature 'Jiao Zhi' pottery decorations, a distinctive form of Taiwanese architectural ceramic art.
The complex was constructed using materials imported from mainland China, such as bricks and stone transported as ballast on trade ships.
The clan’s ancestral worship activities are still actively performed by descendants according to traditional customs.
The Xinwu Fan Jiang Ancestral Hall is a traditional Hakka residence constructed by the Fan Jiang family, who migrated from Haifeng, Guangdong during the Qing Dynasty. The site consists of a complex of five historical houses, with the Ancestral Hall serving as the central hub for the clan's spiritual life. Architectural features include traditional red brick walls, swallowtail roof ridges, and intricate wood carvings that reflect late 18th and early 19th-century craftsmanship. It is officially recognized as a Grade III historical site by the Taiwan government. The complex maintains the original layout of a traditional courtyard-style settlement, documenting the agricultural development of the Xinwu area. The ancestral hall houses tablets honoring the lineage of the Fan Jiang ancestors, preserving the family’s genealogy. Restoration efforts have focused on maintaining the authentic texture of the earthen walls and tiled roofs. It stands as one of the most complete examples of Hakka residential architecture in northern Taiwan.
The main entrance gate and the central courtyard, which captures the symmetry of the ancestral hall against the sky.
Walk the perimeter of the entire complex to see the varying stages of preservation between the five distinct houses.
Look for the traditional 'Fire Wall' design, which was intended to prevent the spread of fire between connected houses.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens, as the courtyard space is confined but structurally intricate.
Do not touch the historical wood carvings or wall decorations, as they are fragile and undergoing preservation.
Maintain a quiet tone, as parts of the site remain private family property; do not enter restricted areas marked as private.
