Throughout the history of Taiwan, mansions can be said to have played an important role in different eras. They are not only tourist attractions but also witnesses to immortals reclaiming and establishing their homes, just as the proverb goes: “the predecessors plant trees, and the future generations relish the shade of the trees.” The essence not only shows the glory of the past but also the hard work of the ancestors. In the 1970s, Professor Li Chien-Lang often accompanied Lin Heng-Dao and Shiy De-Jinn to visit old buildings all over Taiwan, leaving behind many precious photos and documents, recording the traditional culture displayed by the old houses. Professor Li once again showed the unique appearance of each house, from the “feng shui” orientation and layout of the building to the detailed architectural decoration, etc.

Banqiao Lin Family Garden is one of the most representative residential buildings in Taiwan, with an area of more than 10,000 square meters. Besides the impressive amount of land it occupies, there are exquisite pavilions in the garden. Overlooking the view underneath from the attic, one has access to a panoramic view of the green fields nearby. However, the seemingly gorgeous Lin Benyuan Garden with finely crafted architectural details has experienced various vicissitudes: the huge Lin Benyuan Garden was gradually abandoned after the Japanese ruled Taiwan, although it was once listed by the Japanese as a famous scenic spot in Taiwan. Later the buildings inside were divided into rooms for refugees to stay during the war, which made the initially quiet courtyard cluttered. It is even more pity that before the opportunity to repair, the second floor of the Laiqing Pavilion was destroyed by a fire. Although relevant units tried their best to restore its appearance, it was still different from the original.

With the changes in society, new buildings are being built continuously. As a result, most of the traditional mansions will lose the initial spotlight that they received; preservation and maintenance have also become a new issue. Unlike a temple which retains the original worship function, a mansion is less fortunate. It faces the conflict of equipment and lifestyle changes, and how to modify the building has also become a design requirement. However, no matter how traditional cultural values and customs are firmly embedded in the hearts of modern people, modern architecture is eager to complement the natural beauty of the world and combine the best elements of the past and the present. The reason why these mansions are so full of charm and unforgettable secrets is that they have recorded and are full of moving legendary family stories.