Jishan Gatehouse

Jishan Gatehouse (Chinese: 積善樓; pinyin: Jīshànlóu, literally "accumulate goodwill tower") is a historic gatehouse in Beitun District, Taichung, Taiwan. Initially constructed as the south entrance to a sanheyuan, the gatehouse is protected as a historical site in Taichung.[1]

Jishan Gatehouse
Native name
Chinese: 積善樓
TypeGatehouse
LocationBeitun District, Taichung, Taiwan
Built1924 (1924)
OwnerTaichung City Government

History

The Lai family were one of the earliest Han Chinese settlers in Taichung. Originating from Pinghe County, Fujian in mainland China, the family settled in what is modern-day Beitun District.[2] In 1898, a member of this family, Changrong Lai (賴長榮), moved from Touzhang to the north to the current location, building the sanheyuan known as "Huaidetang" (懷德堂; Huáidétáng). A simple gate was constructed at the southern entrance.[1] In 1924, the family decided to rebuild the southern entrance according to a feng shui specialist's advice. The new entrance is said to be able to boost the family's prosperity and keep them away from harm. The name of the building was taken to encourage future generations to act with kindness.[3]

In 1979, the Taichung City Government planned for the demolition of Huaidetang and Jishan Gatehouse to construct a park at the site. After petitions from Lai family members, Jishan Gatehouse was preserved, while Huadetang was demolished and banyan trees planted in its place.[4]

See also

References
  1. "積善樓". Ministry of Culture (in Chinese). Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  2. 陈在正 (April 1999). 平和心田赖氏宗族的发展及向台湾移民 (PDF) (in Chinese). 漳州职业大学学报. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  3. "積善樓". Beitun District Government (in Chinese). February 9, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  4. 李錫璋 (September 9, 2018). "台中市積善樓 走過庇蔭家業傳奇延續文化" (in Chinese). Epoch Times. Retrieved February 22, 2020.

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