The Jiang A-xin Western Mansion was built in 1946 as the grand residence of Beipu's renowned tea merchant Jiang A-xin. Its Baroque-style facade combines with a traditional Hokkien layout in a building that took three years to complete, now designated a county historic site. After the 2021 Taiwanese drama Cha-chin (Gold Leaf) was filmed here, the mansion became widely known and is now an unmissable historic architectural landmark on Beipu Old Street.
What to see at the Jiang A-xin Western Mansion
The mansion's exterior is built in red brick; the front facade features Baroque gables, pilasters, and floral ornamentation blended with a Hokkien sanheyuan (three-sided courtyard) layout, reflecting how post-WWII local Taiwanese gentry absorbed and interpreted Western architecture. The building is well preserved; the interior is now used primarily for exhibitions and cultural activities, with some spaces recreating past domestic settings based on historical photographs.
The Jiang family dominated the Beipu tea industry in the early 20th century, exporting Oriental Beauty Tea (Peng Feng Tea) to the British market. The mansion stands as a tangible symbol of the family's wealth. The drama Cha-chin (Gold Leaf) uses it as a backdrop to recreate the rise and fall of Taiwan's tea industry in the 1950s. Viewing the building alongside the drama deepens understanding of Taiwan's tea history.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car from Zhudong toward Beipu Township — about 20 minutes. Parking is available near Beipu Old Street.
- Opening hours and visit arrangements (whether booking is required) are subject to the latest announcements from the Jiang A-xin Western Mansion management or Beipu Township Office to avoid a wasted trip.
Nearby connections
- Beipu Old Street's Citian Temple and Jinguangfu Gonguan are within walking distance — plan a half-day Hakka heritage route.
- Extend to Emei Lake or Beipu Cold Spring for natural scenery.
Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Jiang A-xin Western Mansion and publicly available cultural heritage information. Please refer to the latest announcements from the county historic site management for visit information. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.