Introduction
Chen De-Jiu Family Hall, built in 1644, is the oldest ancestral hall in Tainan and is reputed to have been the residence of Chen Yonghua, the military strategist for Koxinga. Chen Yonghua played a pivotal role in Taiwan's development by teaching soldiers farming techniques to store grain, improving residents' lifestyles, and establishing the island's first Confucian temple to promote education. In gratitude, locals built Yonghua Temple on today's Fuqian Road to honor him, and Yonghua Road was named in his memory.
Designated as a Level 3 historic site, Chen De-Jiu Family Hall reflects the Chen family's commitment to preserving their heritage. Despite its age, the hall exudes a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The exterior features swallowtail roof ridges, traditionally reserved for families with scholarly achievements. The windows flanking the front hall incorporate the character "Chen" into their designs, and the pomegranate carvings under the eaves symbolize wishes for numerous descendants. The walls of the worship pavilion are adorned with paintings by renowned artists, depicting themes of filial piety and ancestral reverence with elegant brushwork and colors.
