蘆竹愛吾蘆

Luzhu Aiwulu Residence

January 3rd, 2025

Aiwulu (愛吾蘆) is a traditional sanheyuan or courtyard house on the plains of Taoyuan. It was completed in 1920 by Xu Chongde (徐崇德), who later became the magistrate of Taoyuan County. Half of the residence was requisitioned by the Ministry of National Defense for use as a detention center (國防部保密局桃園感訓所) from 1950 until it was abolished in 1969, part of a period of oppressive rule known as the White Terror. Due to the number of political prisoners detained here it was also known as Tianlao (天牢), or the “heavenly prison”, but the name was officially changed to Taoyuan Prison (桃園監獄) in 1957.

Gateway to Luzhu Aiwulu Residence (蘆竹愛吾蘆) — Gateway to the old *sanheyuan*. The name of the residence is faintly visible over the door.

Guardpost and Gateway to Luzhu Aiwulu Residence (蘆竹愛吾蘆) — On the left is the sentry post remaining from when this was a secret military detention center.

Guardpost at Luzhu Aiwulu Residence (蘆竹愛吾蘆) — A closer look at the simple guardhouse outside the residence.

Alongside Luzhu Aiwulu Residence (蘆竹愛吾蘆) — A view of the old *sanheyuan* through the surrounding foliage. Without entering the courtyard it is impossible to see much of the interior.

Main Road View of Luzhu Aiwulu Residence (蘆竹愛吾蘆) — The back of the *sanheyuan*, as visible from the main road. Go left to see the guardhouse.

Nowadays the Xu (徐) family still resides here, and it seems they prefer to remain low-key and might not welcome guests without an advance introduction. The only readily accessible trace of its former use by the military is the ruins of a small guardhouse on the outer perimeter of the property. It can be found by following the long path around the front of the house, going left from the main road, but isn’t much to look at.