積善樓

Jishan Gatehouse

October 23rd, 2016

Jīshàn Gatehouse (積善樓), sometimes written as Chishan or Chijhan, is a minor historic building not far from Taiyuan Station (太原車站) in Beitun, Taichung. Originally this site was occupied by the residences of the Lài (賴) family, immigrants from Zhangzhou in China, who made their home here in 1897. Decades later they funded the construction of this unusual gatehouse on the recommendation of a fengshui master; the name of the building literally translates to “accumulate goodness”. The design and some of the materials are Chinese but the structure also shows Western influences and craftsmanship as filtered through Japan. Five banyan trees surrounding the gate are the only other legacy of the homes that once existed here. Nowadays the area is a city park.

The Plaque Over the Entrance to Jishan Gatehouse (積善樓) — An unusual nameplate (匾額) hangs over the gateway itself.

An Oblique Look at the Jishan Gatehouse (積善樓) — An angled look at the top of the gatehouse building. This area is not open to the public.

The Back Side of Jishan Gatehouse (積善樓) — Around back at the Jishan Gatehouse in Taichung.

It might not look like much but this sturdy little building has survived war, flooding, earthquakes, and urban renewal initiatives over nearly a century of history. For more information about the gatehouse in Chinese consult these sources here, here, and here.