Erkan Chen Residence, Historical residence in Xiyu Township, Taiwan
Erkan Chen Residence is a dwelling built in southern Fujian architectural style with a rectangular layout featuring three halls connected by internal courtyards. The interior walls, openings, and roof edges display carved ornamentation that was typical of prosperous residences from this region and period.
This residence was built in 1910 by two brothers during a period when Taiwan's early colonial era was seeing growth in regional trade and family-based commerce. The construction reflects building practices that connected southern China with emerging Taiwanese communities through architectural traditions.
The residence displays traditional relief carvings on windows, doors, and eaves that reflect how wealthy families of the early 1900s decorated their homes and valued ornamental craftsmanship. Walking through the rooms, you can see how these details expressed the family's status and connection to southern Fujian artistic traditions.
The property sits in a rural area and welcomes visitors interested in historical architecture and traditional building techniques. You can walk through the rooms at your own pace and observe the structural details without any special requirements.
The residence retains many of its original hand-carved details from 1910, including specialized woodwork executed by artisans familiar with southern Chinese techniques. These elements demonstrate how craftspeople adapted traditional methods to local materials and island conditions.
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