The house was built during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.
It utilizes a 'Two-Hall, Four-Horizontal' layout, which is a classic defensive design used by early Hakka settlers to protect against banditry and local unrest.
The family history is deeply intertwined with the development of tea, citrus, and rice cultivation in the Hsinpu region.
The site avoids the heavy modernization seen in other historical residences, preserving its original 19th-century atmospheric feel.
It is situated near the renowned Fang-Liao Yimin Temple, a crucial site for the local Hakka religious identity.
Liu’s Shuangtangwu is a well-preserved traditional Hakka residence in Xinpu, Hsinchu County, constructed in 1867. The name refers to its unique 'double-hall' architectural layout, which features two parallel main halls separated by a central courtyard. It represents the quintessential design of northern Taiwan's Hakka fortified manor houses, known as 'wei-long' or 'wei-wu'. The site remains a private residence owned by the Liu clan, who have carefully maintained its structural integrity over generations. It functions as a cultural landmark reflecting the agricultural history and migration patterns of the Liu family in the Xinpu area. The site is noted for its traditional wood carvings and rammed-earth wall construction typical of Qing Dynasty rural architecture.
The central courtyard entrance facing the front gate provides a clear view of the double-hall symmetry.
Contact the management via their official website or social media channels prior to visiting, as it is a private residence.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the historic stone and courtyard surfaces.
Respect the privacy of the residents by staying within the designated public areas of the compound.
Do not attempt to enter locked inner courtyards or private living quarters without explicit permission from a host.
Visits are strictly by appointment or during limited community-announced viewing days; it is not a commercial museum open to the public daily.
Maintain a quiet volume, do not enter private residential wings, and always ask before photographing occupants.
