Lin Family Mansion and Garden
No. 9 Ximen St., Banqiao, New Taipei, Taiwan, 220
The Lin Family Garden represents the best preserved surviving example of traditional Chinese garden architecture. Built in the late nineteenth century in Qing Dynasty style for one of Taiwan’s wealthy merchant families, the mansion and asymmetrical gardens were designed to make the residents feel closer to nature.
The Basics
If you only have time to visit one historic home in Taipei, make it the Lin Family Garden. Visitors are welcome to tour the garden and its ponds and pavilions on their own, but admission to the mansion is by guided tour only; be sure to check the schedule and book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. These tours are included in the price of admission. For a bit of context, be sure to watch the 18-minute introductory video, screened in English and several other languages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lin Family Garden is a must-see for history buffs and first time visitors to Taipei.
- Bring a camera, as the grounds are quite photogenic.
- No outside food or drink are permitted on the premises.
- The grounds are not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
To get there by public transportation, take the Taipei MRT Blue Line to Fuzhong Station and leave through Exit 3. It’s a short walk from there to the mansion entrance.
When to Get There
The Lin Family Garden and mansion are open to visitors every day except the first Monday of the month and on major national holidays. The mansion stays open late on Fridays, when the garden is beautifully illuminated with lanterns.
Best Chinese Gardens in Taipei
Travelers looking for a breath of fresh air will find it in Taipei’s numerous traditional Chinese gardens. Other worthwhile options include the sprawling Shuangxi Park and Chinese Garden in the Shilin District, the Taipei Botanical Garden with its 1,500 species of plants, or Chiang Kai Shek’s official residence in Shilin.
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