Minnan Architecture

Minnan architecture (閩南建築), also known as Hokkien or Hoklo architecture, originates from Fujian Province, the ancestral homeland of many Taiwanese. Distinguished by upturned swallowtail rooftops, intricate stone carvings, and decorative ceramic tiles, this style reflects a blend of practicality and artistry. In Taiwan, Minnan architecture adapted to local materials and climate, influencing temples, ancestral halls, and traditional courtyard homes (or sanheyuan). Despite modernization, Minnan architecture remains a vital expression of Taiwanese cultural heritage, preserved in historic sites and ongoing restoration efforts across the country.