[2025 Taipei Attraction] Travel Guide for The Lin Yutang House (Updated Apr)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Lin Yutang's former residence is located next to Yangde Avenue on Yangming Mountain. Mr. Lin Yutang came to Taiwan to settle down in 1966 and the house was completely planned and completed by him personally. The former residence combines Chinese blue glazed tiles with white-based wall colors, arched corridors and Western-style internal spiral columns. The house displays the living spaces of Mr. Lin Yutang during his lifetime, such as study, bedroom, living room, etc. Mr. Lin Yutang passed away in 1976 and was buried in the backyard of the current site.

It is a World Heritage island❗️So beautiful that words fail me📸Gulangyu Island is worth visiting… When you come to Xiamen, how can you not visit Gulangyu Island? Encounter a collection of international buildings spanning centuries Listen to the wind and watch the sea on a romantic and healing world heritage coastal island 🚢How to get to the island WeChat search: Xiamen Ferry, select Cruise Center, Xiagu Wharf to Sanqiutian Wharf, a route that tourists must choose to visit Gulangyu Island Ticket fee It is recommended to buy tickets 3 days in advance during holidays. Choose your departure time and allow 30 minutes for queuing and security checks. The departure time will be a few minutes earlier, so don't miss it. The cheapest ticket is 35 yuan, and the return ticket is free. You need to bring your ID card. If you like taking pictures, it is recommended to take the second floor directly. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Best photo spots: Photo spot ①: The most beautiful corner, the "internet famous corner" where the Taiwanese drama "Corner With Love" was filmed Photo spot ②: Jay Chou's Sunny Day Wall: A must-visit place for couples or Jay Chou fans. Photo spot ③: Gangzai Back Beach, enjoy leisure time playing in the water and sand barefoot. Enjoy the scenery and take photos all the way, facing the sea, stepping on the sand and waves. Photo spot ④: Longtou Road Snack Street, you can find Lin's Fish Balls, Shen's Rice Rolls, Jay Chou's Spicy Duck, Oyster Omelets, etc. on this street. Here you can freely stroll and eat local snacks and other delicacies Photo spot ⑤: Lin Yutang's Former Residence, the home of Lin Yutang's wife, Liao Cuifeng. It is one of the oldest villas on Gulangyu Island, with a history of more than 150 years. This is where Academician Zhong Nanshan once lived. Photo spot ⑥: Catholic Church, a place for prayer and covenant. This is a community of faith and love. Look for traces of God in every bit of life Photo spot ⑦: Union Church, a holy place for wedding photos. In the mid-19th century, it was an international church. It is the earliest church on Gulangyu Island. It is also a popular spot for couples and friends. ⚠️Must-visit attractions on Gulangyu Island 📍Sunlight Rock: The highest point of Gulangyu Island overlooking Xiamen 📍Shuzhuang Garden: A Suzhou-style garden integrating mountains, sea, and lakes 📍Haoyue Garden: Landmark building 📍Organ Art Center: Free admission 🆓 Asia's largest century-old organ 📍Dader Bathing Beach: Free admission 🆓 A beautiful beach with few people 📍The Most Beautiful Corner: A movie location, great for taking photos (you need to queue when it's crowded) 📍Underwater World: A must-visit for families with children. The colorful underwater world will broaden the horizons of your little ones👶🏻, making the trip worthwhile. About food! 🍜Sand Tea Noodles: Rich sand tea sauce paired with various seafood and meats, delicious and nutritious | Time-honored Sand Tea Noodle Shop (taste authentic Xiamen Sand Tea Noodles) 🍤Peanut Worms Jelly: Seemingly strange ingredients, but with a smooth texture and refreshing taste | Street food stalls (try this unique Xiamen snack) 🍢Roasted Pork Zongzi: Fragrant glutinous rice zongzi wrapped with tender roasted pork, rich in taste | Traditional Roasted Pork Zongzi Shop (taste authentic Xiamen Roasted Pork Zongzi) 🍧Oyster Omelet: Crispy oysters paired with delicious eggs and chopped green onions, a favorite of Xiamen people | Night market food stalls (experience Xiamen's night market culture) IV. Special Activities 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through the old streets: The old streets of Gulangyu Island are full of historical traces. Stroll through them and feel the passage of time and the precipitation of culture, as if you can hear the echoes of history.🏡 🏖️ Beach Leisure: On the beach of Gulangyu Island, you can relax and enjoy the caress of the sun and sea breeze. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the gifts of nature.🌞 🧡【Tips】 Since walking is the main mode of transportation on the island, comfortable shoes are recommended. In addition, some areas on the island may have poor signal, so it is recommended to download maps or travel guides in advance. 🌟Finally, don't forget to try the local seafood snacks, they are an indispensable taste experience for your trip.

The former residence of Lin Yutang is located on the mountainside of Yangming. It was built in 1966 and designed by Lin Yutang. It is the residence of Lin Yutang who settled in Taiwan in the last ten years before his death. The building is based on the architecture of the Chinese courtyard house and the Spanish-style design, combining Eastern and Western styles, as well as modern and classical beauty. The blue glazed tile is matched with a white powder wall with dark purple rounded window sills. The mood is elegant and refined. Walking through the Western arches and through the cloister, you can see the heavenly atrium, and the Spanish-style spiral colonnade is gently stretched by the gentle sunlight. Lin Yutang loved bamboo stone, so he designed the corner of the atrium with bamboo, maple, fern, vine and other plants. He also used stone to create a unique and lovely fish pond. 

Strolling through the verdant slopes of Yangmingshan, the Lin Yutang House quietly nestles within a bamboo grove, like a hidden paradise. At the entrance of the courtyard, a winding path paved with pebbles seems to guide me into the spiritual world of a literary master. Upon entering the house, I am greeted by the rich aroma of books. The walls are adorned with Lin Yutang's calligraphy and paintings, and the furnishings, though simple, exude an elegant charm. His desk remains preserved in its original state, with pen racks and inkstones silently narrating his passion for writing. Outside the window, bamboo shadows sway as sunlight streams in, creating a play of light and shadow that seems to evoke the grace of his writing moments. Stepping outside, the refined beauty of the garden is captivating. Low walls encircle the space, with bamboo providing a serene backdrop. Chairs are thoughtfully placed in tranquil corners, seemingly designed for deep contemplation. As I sit down gently, the sound of the wind and birdsong fills my ears, and I suddenly understand Lin Yutang's interpretation of 'leisure.'

The Lin Yutang Residence, located in the Shilin District of Taipei, is the birthplace and childhood home of Lin Yutang, a renowned essayist, translator, linguist, and cultural giant. Lin Yutang (1895-1976) made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture during the modernization process. The residence preserves his living environment and cultural heritage, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of his life, thoughts, and creations. Historical Background of the Lin Yutang Residence Lin Yutang was born in Shilin, Taipei, and showed exceptional talent from an early age. His residence is a typical traditional Taiwanese quadrangle courtyard house, originally the ancestral home of the Lin family. Throughout his life, Lin Yutang experienced many changes, moving from China to the United States, then to Hong Kong and Taiwan. His works profoundly influenced cultural exchanges and understanding between the East and the West. 1. Architectural Style: • The architectural style of the Lin Yutang Residence combines the structure of traditional Taiwanese quadrangle courtyards with folk art styles. The courtyard is spacious, and the layout is reasonable. Every detail of the building reflects the characteristics of family life in Taiwan at that time. The courtyard is planted with a variety of flowers and plants, adding a natural atmosphere to the residence and symbolizing Lin Yutang's love for nature and aesthetics in his works. 2. Lin Yutang's Growth and Cultural Roots: • The residence not only witnessed Lin Yutang's growth but also deeply influenced his cultural philosophy. Lin Yutang was deeply immersed in traditional culture from an early age, especially Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese classical literature. These cultural roots are deeply embedded in his creations. Walking into Lin Yutang's residence, you can feel how family education and cultural atmosphere of that era shaped his personality and thoughts. Exhibitions and Displays at the Residence 1. Cultural and Thought Exhibitions: • The Lin Yutang Residence has exhibition areas displaying his life, major works, and profound understanding of culture. The exhibition includes Lin Yutang's personal manuscripts, daily items, and historical photos related to him. Through these exhibitions, visitors can better understand his literary creations, his dialogue between Chinese and Western cultures, and his unique insights into social development. 2. Calligraphy and Artworks: • Besides being a literary giant, Lin Yutang was also an enthusiast of calligraphy and art. His calligraphy works and ink paintings are also specially displayed in the residence. These artworks not only showcase his calligraphy style but also reflect his profound cultural literacy and artistic sentiments. 3. Private Life and Family Culture: • The residence restores parts of Lin Yutang's private living environment, including his study and living spaces. Visitors can see the desk, chair, and various books he used, which were part of his daily life, demonstrating how he lived and thought in a traditional cultural atmosphere. Visiting Experience and Activities 1. Cultural Interpretation and Guided Tours: • The Lin Yutang Residence offers guided tours, where visitors can learn more about his life, thoughts, and creative background through professional explanations. The tours help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Lin Yutang's historical and cultural impact and better appreciate the historical significance of the residence. 2. Calligraphy and Tea Culture Experience: • The residence regularly hosts cultural activities related to Lin Yutang, such as calligraphy demonstrations, literary salons, and tea culture exchanges. Participating in these activities allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of his cultural philosophy and personally experience traditional tea ceremonies and calligraphy art. 3. Souvenirs and Book Purchases: • The gift shop in the Lin Yutang Residence offers souvenirs related to him, such as books, stationery, and handicrafts. These items help visitors take home a piece of Lin Yutang's cultural legacy. Transportation and Opening Hours 1. Transportation: • The Lin Yutang Residence is conveniently located in the Shilin District of Taipei. Visitors can take the MRT to Shilin Station and then walk to the residence or take a bus directly to the Shilin District. 2. Opening Hours: • The residence is usually open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily (closed on Mondays). During holidays and special events, the opening hours may vary, so it is recommended to check the official website or call in advance. Travel Tips 1. Ticket Information: Visiting the Lin Yutang Residence requires a ticket purchase, with generally reasonable prices. Some exhibitions and activities may require additional fees. It is advisable to confirm the activity schedule and fees in advance. 2. Best Visiting Time: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the residence, with mild weather suitable for strolling in the courtyard and enjoying the tranquil cultural atmosphere. 3. Suitable for: The Lin Yutang Residence is ideal for literature enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and history buffs. Visitors interested in traditional Chinese culture and philosophy will find a rich experience here. Conclusion The Lin Yutang Residence in Taipei is a classic attraction that combines culture, history, and literature. Visiting this place allows you to feel Lin Yutang's profound cultural roots and appreciate his unique artistic charm in a building full of historical and cultural atmosphere. If you want to learn about an outstanding figure in Taiwanese and Chinese literary history, the Lin Yutang Residence is undoubtedly a must-visit destination.