"Key Points of Lin An-Tai Historical House English Tour"林安泰古厝英文導覽6重點

“Lin An-Tai Historical House may give you the illusion of stepping back 200 years in Taipei’s history. This was once the luxurious residence of wealthy families in ancient times. When you visit here, you can relax and truly appreciate the historic architecture, the beautifully landscaped courtyards, and it’s a popular spot for many couples to take wedding photos. It’s a must-visit free attraction in Taipei.”

林安泰古厝會讓你有錯覺來到了200年前的台北，原來這就是古時候有錢人家的豪宅，來到這裡可以放空好好的欣賞古厝建築，周圍的庭院造景，還有許多新人來此地取景拍結婚照，是一個台北市很值得一訪的免費景點。

內容目錄

The Origin of the Name Lin An-Ta 林安泰名字由來

In the 19th year of the Qianlong era (1754 AD), Lin Qinming (Lin Yaogong), originally from Anxi, Fujian, and his family immigrated to Taiwan. His fourth son, Lin Zhineng (Lin Huigong), known for his business acumen, established “Rongtai Trading Company” in Mengjia (now part of Taipei). After amassing wealth, they built a residence in today’s Da’an District of Taipei.

清乾隆19年（西元1754年）祖籍福建安溪的林欽明（林堯公）率家人東渡來臺，其四子林志能（林回公）因善於經商，在艋舺開設「榮泰行」，在累積財富後，於現今臺北市大安區蓋大厝。

In commemoration of their hometown, Lin Huigong combined “An” from Anxi, Fujian, and “Tai” from Rongtai Trading Company to name their mansion “Antai Mansion.” It is one of the oldest surviving historical residences in Taipei.

林回公為紀念家鄉，遂取福建泉州安溪的「安」和榮泰行的「泰」，將宅第定名為「安泰厝」，是臺北市現存古宅中年代最久的古厝之一。

“The Reasons for the Relocation of Lin An-Tai Historical House” 林安泰古厝遷移原由

Dipper Cave, with the Snake’s Head Facing the Seven Stars.” It follows the architectural orientation of “sitting northeast and facing southwest.” Dating back over 200 years, this meticulously crafted historic residence features a two-section, five-bay, four-sided courtyard layout. In 1978, it narrowly escaped demolition as it was not initially designated as a historical site, and it fell within the area earmarked for the expansion of Dunhua South Road. It was later relocated to its current site to ensure its preservation.

林安泰古厝，座落「南蛇環北斗穴，蛇頭向七星」吉地，採「坐東北朝西南」之建築方位，距今約200多年，是一棟非常精緻的二進五間起四合院古宅，民國67年因未被列入古蹟且正好位於敦化南路拓寬用地的範圍內，遭到拆除的命運，後移至現址而保存下來。

“The Exterior of Lin An-Tai Historical House” 林安泰古厝外觀

The historic mansion exhibits the architectural style of southern Fujian, with a courtyard surrounded by carefully designed naturalistic landscaping, embodying the concept of creating scenery that flows naturally and harmoniously, allowing for a sense of freedom and tranquility in the garden.

古厝外顯閩南建築形式，庭院周圍園林講究自然而然，雲水自在之造景理念。

“The Front Courtyard of Lin An-Tai Historical House” 林安泰古厝前院

The courtyard outside is paved with red Pu stone. Back in the day, when mainland merchant ships arrived in Taiwan, they used these stones as ballast in the ship’s hold to stabilize it. They were also known as ballast stones. One of the advantages of these stones is that they do not develop moss and provide excellent traction.

外埕舖有紅普石，是當時大陸商船來臺，為避免船身不穩，置於船底作壓艙之用，又稱為壓艙石，它的優點是不長青苔、防滑。

“The Architectural Features of Lin An-Tai Historical House: Fujian Style” 林安泰古厝的建築特點閩南風

This traditional Minnan-style single-story courtyard house, with a two-section and four-bay layout, was constructed following local geomantic traditions. Its roof ridge structure employs a “single-ridge” design, resembling the graceful curve of a swallow’s tail to create a naturally soft and harmonious appearance.

這棟傳統閩南風格的單層2進4合院，是依照民間地理風水習俗而建造的，其屋脊結構採一條龍的單脊做法，以燕尾曲線呈現自然柔和的風貌。

“The Moon Brow Pond in Front of the Historical House” 古厝前的月眉池

The Moon Brow Pond in front of the historic mansion, as its name suggests, has a design that aligns with its purpose. In Chinese Feng Shui, it falls under the category of wealth-attracting and storage features. It not only serves defensive and fire-prevention functions but also provides a water source and helps to cool the area.

古厝前的月眉池，造型正如其名，在中國風水中，屬於聚寶收納的型制，不但具有防禦、防火、供水、降溫等功能。

“The First Entrance of Lin An-Tai Historical House” 林安泰古厝第一進

The main entrance features a concave structure with a three-door design, flanked by decorative frames depicting peach motifs on both sides. Above the door, the left section is adorned with carvings of vases, fruits, and alchemical furnaces, while the right side displays official seals, command flags, and armor, symbolizing both scholarly and martial excellence. The eaves below are intricately carved with auspicious symbols such as phoenixes, hanging flowers, ancient musical instruments, and dragon-like creatures.

為內凹三門式結構，兩側有壽桃圖像的對聯框；門牆的左上方刻有花瓶、水果、煉丹爐等；右上方刻有官印、令旗、盔甲等，以代表文武雙全。屋簷下雕有飛鳳雀替、垂花吊筒、古琴和夔龍等吉祥象徵。

“The Wooden Archways in Lin An-Tai Historical House’s Timber Architecture” 林安泰古厝木造建築斗拱

The dougong, a prominent feature in Chinese architecture, serves as a critical element known for its seismic resistance capabilities. In the construction of the historic mansion, the majority of the wood was sourced from Fujian cedar, while the stonework was primarily crafted from Guanyin stone. Various structural components were interconnected using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques.

斗拱是中國建築最重要的特色，具有防震功能。古厝的木材大都採用福州杉，石材則採用觀音石。各結構上則以榫頭互相接合。

“The Main Hall of Lin An-Tai Historical House” 林安泰古厝主門廳

Above the main hall’s entrance, there is a “Yuanguang” carving featuring symbolic representations: peaches for longevity, pomegranates for numerous offspring, lychees for prosperity, and Buddha’s hands for good fortune.

門廳上方之「員光」，刻有桃子表長壽、石榴表多子多孫、荔枝表富貴、佛手表吉祥。

“The Threshold of the Historical House” 古厝的門檻

Referring to the horizontal beam below the door, in traditional Chinese residences, there is always a doorstep at the entrance. People entering or leaving the main door must step over this threshold. In ancient times, some door thresholds were as high as knee-level, while today, door thresholds are typically only about an inch or so in height. Besides being made of wood, they are sometimes constructed using narrow, elongated stone slabs placed on the ground.

指門下的橫木，中國傳統住宅的大門口必有門檻，人們進出大門均要跨過門，古時有的門檻高與膝齊，現在的門檻大約只有一寸左右。除了用木頭做的也有用窄長石頭條在地上。

Typically, its purpose is to prevent vehicles and animals like chickens, dogs, and snakes from entering the courtyard directly through the main entrance.

一般的作用可以防止車馬之類直接衝進院子，防止雞狗、蛇之類從門下進入。

From a Feng Shui perspective, it serves to gather energy and wealth, ensuring that positive energy and prosperity stay within. Additionally, it acts as a protective barrier, preventing negative forces from entering through the gap under the door, warding off evil spirits. Legend has it that ghosts don’t walk like humans but move by hopping like zombies, so the threshold keeps them outside.

若以風水的角度，可以聚氣、聚財，好的氣場和財富才不會流走。另外也可以避邪，防止外來的陰風從門縫底下進來，還有就是能避鬼魂進入，因為傳說鬼不像人一樣是用走路的，而是像殭屍一樣用跳的，所以就會被擋在門外。

“The Roof Overhangs in Lin An-Tai Historical House’s Architecture” 林安泰古厝的建築屋簷飛簷

“Feiyan,” or “upturned eaves,” is a distinctive architectural feature in traditional Chinese buildings. It can be found at the roof corners of various structures, including pavilions, platforms, buildings, pavilions, palaces, and temples. Feiyan involves the upward-curving design of the roof eaves, resembling outstretched wings. It serves multiple purposes, including expanding natural light intake, facilitating rainwater drainage, and adding a dynamic upward appearance to the building. It is a significant expression of the national style in Chinese architecture.

飛檐，是中國傳統建築在檐部上的一種特殊處理與創造，不論是亭、台、樓、閣、宮殿、廟宇的屋頂轉角處，皆會出現飛檐的身影。飛檐是其屋檐上翹，形如展翅，不但擴大了採光面，也有利於排泄雨水，且增添了建築物向上的動感，是中式建築民族風格重要表現之一。

“Conclusion” 結語

“If you love Chinese-style architecture, want to explore Chinese courtyard landscaping, or are looking to capture Instagram-worthy photos, Lin An-Tai Historical House will not disappoint you. The best part is that it’s a popular attraction right here in Taipei, and it won’t cost you a dime.

I’m Mike, and if you’re visiting Taipei, let me be your guide!”