Taiwan's deer farming birthplace, Guoxing's century-old 'Lin House,' begins restoration

The 'Lin House' (林屋伙房), a historic Hakka dwelling in Guoxing Township, Nantou County, and a significant site for Taiwan's deer farming industry, has begun its restoration and disaster prevention construction. This century-old building, established in 1911 by Lin Dinghua and Lin Liu Fanpo Mei after migrating from Hsinchu's Beipu, stands as the most complete Hakka dwelling in Nantou County. Its architecture showcases a distinctive traditional Hakka tiled-roof style.

The 'Lin House' holds dual importance, bearing witness to the history of Hakka immigration in Nantou and the development of the local deer farming industry. Recognizing its cultural and industrial value, the Nantou County Government officially designated it as a historical building in 2009.

However, the structure faces considerable challenges, including termite damage to its wooden framework, aging electrical wiring, and roof leaks. Compounding these issues, its location is over 13 kilometers from the nearest fire station, raising concerns about potential fire damage due to extended response times. Consequently, the current project prioritizes enhancing disaster prevention and conducting urgent repairs.

Key aspects of the renovation include the installation of a fire detection system and initial self-rescue equipment to mitigate safety risks. The total budget for this phase of the project is approximately NT$8.14 million, covering research, planning, design, and construction. The restoration aims not only to preserve the cultural heritage but also to revitalize the local Hakka culture and transform the 'Lin House' into a versatile community center for culture, industry, and education.