林本源園邸

With its wonderful wooden and stone carvings, the Lin Family Mansion & Garden is a well-preserved model of traditional Chinese architecture. Romantic lanterns illuminate the grounds, while the artistic motifs take you back to a bygone era. Soak up the old-world ambiance in this rare surviving tribute to the traditional Chinese mansion and gardens. 

Join a guided tour of the house and chat with the docent to learn about the Lin family. They moved here in the 18th century and earned a fortune through the rice and salt trades. Learn how the house itself was constructed in the 1800s and is the largest remaining building of its kind in Taiwan. 

As you make your way around the house, inspect the variety of baroque artifacts adorning the walls. Among the highlights are the windows shaped like fans, bats and other intriguing objects. 

Head out into the garden, which has a southern Chinese style, and relax by the majestic pavilions. Bring food and drink for a picnic beside a traditional pond and enjoy the serenity in this sheltered garden. Crisscross along the maze of narrow alleys in the vast grounds. 

You have to buy a ticket to enter the house, which is accessible only via the guided tour. These tours are available several times per day, Tuesday through Sunday. Note that, except for the first Monday of each month, the grounds are open free to the public daily, from morning until afternoon.

The Lin Family Mansion & Garden is in the western part of the Banqiao District, in the western surroundings of Taipei. Take a bus to one of the nearby stops or ride the metro to the Fuzhong Station, a 10-minute walk southeast from the site. 

While you’re in the area, check out some of the surrounding sights, including the Three House Courtyard, the Ci-Hui Temple and Zhanqian Park.