Xinpu Liu Family Ancestral Hall is a Hakka clan hall in Xinshengli, Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County, built between 1864 and 1867 with a five-bay main hall and swallowtail roof ridges — now a county-designated historic site.
Construction of Xinpu Liu Family Ancestral Hall began in 1864 (Qing Tongzhi 3) and took over three years, completing in April 1867. The five-bay main hall and the corridor halls of both side wings feature upswept swallowtail roof ridges, earning the hall its reputation for 'many plaques, many swallowtails, many honors.' It is designated a Hsinchu County historic site.
What to see at Xinpu Liu Family Ancestral Hall
The Liu Family Ancestral Hall has a rigorously symmetrical layout along a central axis. The main-hall roof ridge features traditional swallowtail upswept ends with smooth, flowing lines. The entrance hall and corridor undersides are decorated with painted murals and clay sculptures depicting auspicious motifs and historical tales — craftsmanship that reflects the aesthetic sensibility and prosperity of Qing-era Hakka gentry in Hsinchu. The hall enshrines ancestral tablets of past generations of the Liu family, and clan members still conduct regular ceremonies today.
Beyond the Liu Family Ancestral Hall, Xinpu Township has the Chen Family Ancestral Hall, the Zhu Family Ancestral Hall, and other Qing-era halls, as well as important temples such as Fangliao Yimin Temple. Together they form a concentrated display of Hakka clan culture. The halls are close to one another and can be linked on foot, giving visitors a window into how Qing-era Hakka settlers in Taiwan built their clan organization.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car from downtown Xinpu Township, follow the signs to reach the hall. The various halls in the township are close together — park and walk between them.
- Ancestral halls can generally be entered during the day, but some may have their gates partially closed on non-ceremony days. Viewing the architecture from outside is always an option; ask the clan's permission before entering.
Nearby connections
- Pair with Xinpu Hankeng Li Persimmon Farms (about 5 minutes by car). In autumn, combine clan hall culture with agricultural scenery.
- Fangliao Yimin Temple is about 10 minutes away by car. The Yimin Festival (around the 20th day of the 7th lunar month) is lively — choose your timing accordingly.
Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Xinpu Township and publicly available cultural heritage information. Please refer to the latest announcements from local clan members or the Xinpu Township Office for ancestral hall access conditions. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Xinpu Liu Family Ancestral Hall built?
Construction began in 1864 and the hall was completed in April 1867, taking just over three years.
What are the hall's architectural highlights?
The five-bay main hall and both side-wing corridor halls feature upswept swallowtail roof ridges, earning it a reputation for 'many plaques, many swallowtails, many honors.'
What other ancestral halls can be visited nearby?
Xinpu Township also has the Qing-era Chen and Zhu family ancestral halls and Fangliao Yimin Temple, all within walking distance.
Sources
- 新埔劉家祠 - 國家文化資產網 — 縣定古蹟公告資料
- 新埔劉家祠 - 客家雲 — 建造年代1864-1867、三多美譽