The Lin Family Mansion and Garden — Attraction in New Taipei

The houses built by the Lin Benyuan family in Banqiao, imitating the design of the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, are currently the most complete garden buildings in Taiwan. The house can be traced back to 1847, when it was rented by the Lin Benyuan family in Beishang Village, and later expanded by the two brothers Lin Guohua and Lin Guofang, and became the residence of the Lin Benyuan family. In the 65th year of the Republic of China (1976), the Lin Benyuan family donated part of the garden to the then Taipei County Government (now the New Taipei City Government). The second restoration period was from 1986 to 1990. It was reopened on August 9, 1990. Sanluo Dacuo was also restored in July of 1990 and opened to the garden. Currently, the Lin Benyuan Mansion is maintained and renovated by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the New Taipei City Government, and it is a national historic site in the mansion category. The total area of Lin Benyuan's mansion is 6,054 pings, which can be divided into two parts: "Garden" and "Mansion". There are many houses and man-made landscapes such as Yuebo Waterside Pavilion and Dingjing Hall; the mansion refers to the residence of Lin Benyuan's family, that is, the Sanluo Dacuo on the west side...

A Must-Visit for Cultural Enthusiasts

Visiting The Lin Family Mansion and Garden is like stepping back in time to experience the beauty and elegance of traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping. The peaceful garden, with its intricate pavilions, koi ponds, and winding stone pathways, creates an immersive cultural journey that allows you to reflect on the serenity of classical Chinese life.

The attention to detail is astounding, from the carved wooden doors to the elegant rock formations, all perfectly preserved. It’s a hidden gem for those interested in exploring the history and aesthetics of Taiwan’s cultural heritage.

However, I recommend bringing some mosquito repellent, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months—there can be quite a few buzzing around the lush greenery!

All in all, this place is perfect for anyone wanting to connect with history and nature....

Simple, yet beautiful traditional garden and mansion but over 50% of the property is currently closed for renovation. While I appreciate that a large amount of detailed worked is performed to restore and expand the site I couldn't give a five-star rating due to sheer lack of a complete experience of all the site could offer. I visited on Sunday, June 11th, 2017 and on that day entering was free, to be honest, it was worth paying for a ticket! I must caution that during summer it gets incredibly hot. In fact at the entrance there is a collection of very fine water misters to cool the public visiting as they walk in. If you have issues with heat tolerance be sure to look after your health prior to visiting the gardens. Otherwise, I certainly say this a great place for people who want to be alone and think, or for families/couples looking for a low-key place to see the physical beauty...