Department of Cultural Affairs

Yifang Mansion

During the Qianlong era (1736-1796) of the Qing dynasty, the Chen family of Anxi, Quanzhou County in Fujian Province settled in Taiwan, opening up new farmland in the Taipei basin. In the early nineteenth century, they constructed a series of estates, first Fanglan Mansion, and later New Fanglan Mansion (no longer extant) and Yifang Mansion. All these structures lay with their backs to Chanchu Mountain, at high, easily defensible elevations, reflecting the perils of early pioneer life.
Yifang Mansion retains the layout of a traditional three-sectioned Chinese estate. The entrance to its main compound features indented shou (“longevity”) character engravings. Its outer walls are made of solid, thick brick. For self-protection against bandits, openings to the doors and windows were relatively small, and the house contained many hidden gun holes. A two-story armory was also built on one of the outer wings. In addition, an old well still exists behind Yifang Mansion. With the rapid development of Taipei City, the vintage Qing-dynasty Yifang Mansion has become exceedingly rare and of great historical value.