Lin Family Mansion and Garden

Lin Ben Yuan Family Mansion and Garden is located in Banqiao District, New Taipei City. It was built by the Lin Ben Yuan family of Banqiao and its architectural style was modeled after the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, China. It is one of the best-preserved traditional Chinese garden residences in Taiwan.

The history of the mansion can be traced back to 1847, when it was originally established as a rental house (zu guan) by the Lin Ben Yuan family after leasing land in northern Taiwan. Later, it was gradually expanded by two brothers, Lin Guo-Hua and Lin Guo-Fang, eventually becoming the family's primary residence.

In 1976 (Republic of China Year 65), the Lin family donated the garden portion to the then Taipei County Government (now the New Taipei City Government). After its first restoration was completed in 1986 (Year 75), it was opened to the public and began operating with an admission fee. A second round of restoration took place from 1997 (Year 86) to 2001 (Year 90), and the site was reopened to the public on August 9 of the same year. At the same time, restoration of the western residential complex, known as the San Luo Da Cuo (Three-Section Compound), was completed and exhibited alongside the garden.

Currently, the Lin Ben Yuan Family Mansion and Garden is managed and maintained by the New Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and is designated as a national historic site under the category of “residences.” It is administratively under the jurisdiction of the Department of Cultural Affairs and relies on limited manpower and budget for daily operations.

The entire estate spans approximately 6,054 pings (around 20,000 square meters) and is divided into two main sections: the Garden (園) and the Residence (邸). The Garden, commonly known as the “Lin Family Garden of Banqiao,” refers to the landscaped area outside the residential quarters. It includes structures such as the Laiqing Pavilion, Yuebo Waterside Pavilion, and Dingjing Hall, along with man-made mountains and water features. The Residence, located on the western side of the garden, was the actual living quarters of the Lin family and consists of a traditional three-section compound.