蔡廷蘭進士第

In a quiet corner of Magong lies a unique architectural masterpiece — the Cai Ting-lan Residence. This is not just an old house, but the only surviving residence on the entire Penghu archipelago belonging to a person who earned the prestigious jinshi imperial degree. Built in 1846, the building serves as a living monument to the intellectual achievements and cultural flourish experienced by Taiwan in the mid-19th century.

Cai Tinglan Scholar Residence. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The house is a classic example of traditional construction with a quadrangular layout and a central courtyard, characteristic of the Southern Chinese style. In 1985, the residence was granted cultural heritage status, and after an extensive restoration in 2013, it hospitably opened its doors to travelers from all over the world.

Today, this site attracts connoisseurs of historical authenticity and those who want to see how the prominent people of the past lived. Thanks to the careful preservation of details, here you can feel the spirit of the Qing Dynasty era and learn the inspiring life story of Penghu's most famous scholar.

For more information about visiting or organizing group tours, you can use the official communication channels. The residence is actively supported by the local community, which carefully preserves the traditions of this historic site.

The main reason to visit here is the opportunity to experience authentic Qing Dynasty architecture. Visitors can examine the traditional Penghu design in detail, featuring four rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Special attention should be paid to the carved wooden doors, which bear classical calligraphic inscriptions emphasizing the importance of literature and tradition in the scholar's family.

Aesthetics lovers will appreciate the circular ceramic windows with exquisite pine and crane motifs, symbolizing longevity and nobility. Inside the house, stone tablets and historical artifacts telling the story of daily life back then are on display. For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past, a unique service is available — traditional costume rental. Taking a photo in 19th-century attire against the background of authentic walls is one of the most popular ways to preserve the memory of this visit.

After exploring the rooms, be sure to walk to the Cai Ting-lan monument and visit the neighboring Jiyuan Temple. This shrine of the Cai clan helps to better understand the context of the scholar's life and his connection to the local community. Small exhibitions dedicated to the development of education on the islands are often held here.

This historic site is located in the quiet Xingren district of Magong City. The exact address for navigation is: 880, Taiwan, Penghu County, Magong City, 雙頭掛29號. For travelers coming from the city center, it is most convenient to take a taxi or use a rental car, as the trip takes very little time.

For those who prefer driving themselves, it is recommended to use the GPS coordinates 23.5506471, 119.6115503. Recognizable landmarks near the residence include the monument to the scholar himself and Jiyuan Temple, which will help you avoid missing the correct turn in the rural area.

Public transportation in this area is limited, so tourists are often advised to plan their visit as part of an organized excursion or to combine the trip with a visit to other attractions in the eastern part of Magong.

Cai Ting-lan (also known as Qiuyuan) holds an exceptional place in the island's chronicles. He became the first and only resident of the Penghu archipelago to pass the rigorous jinshi imperial civil service examination in the mid-19th century. This achievement was so significant that Cai Ting-lan became a living legend, and his return home in 1846 turned into a grand celebration for the entire region.

The scholar's life was full of remarkable twists. It is known that after one of his examinations, his vessel was caught in a powerful typhoon and drifted to the shores of Vietnam. Cai Ting-lan had to spend a long time in a foreign country without knowing the language before he could return home. This experience only strengthened his resolve to continue his studies and serve society.

The residence, built in 1846, became not just a home but a symbol of intellectual triumph. Cai Ting-lan dedicated a significant part of his life to education, teaching at prestigious academies in Tainan and Penghu, including the famous Wenshi Academy. His legacy contributed to the cultural and scientific flourish of the islands, turning Penghu into an important educational center of its time.

Today, this house is a Grade III cultural monument. Its thorough restoration, completed in 2012, has preserved for future generations a unique example of Qing Dynasty architecture, which vividly illustrates the daily life and status of the upper class of that period.

To leisurely explore all the corners of this historic building, visitors usually need 1 to 1.5 hours. This time is quite sufficient for examining the interiors, reading the information boards, and relaxing in the courtyard.

If you plan to participate in a traditional photoshoot or study the architectural details of the carvings and calligraphy in depth, you should allow a bit more time. The residence is not very large, but its atmosphere of tranquility encourages thoughtful contemplation rather than a quick dash through the rooms.

When planning your visit to the Cai Ting-lan Residence, please note that the site operates on a limited schedule. The doors are open from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Mondays, as well as from Thursday to Sunday.

Tuesday and Wednesday are official closing days when the complex is closed to the public. As the schedule may change depending on holidays or private community events, it is recommended to check the current opening hours immediately before your trip.

A walk in the vicinity of the residence will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Penghu Island and discover its rich maritime and cultural heritage. Exploring this area of the city reveals many interesting locations, from ancient temples to colorful military settlements.