Exploring Taiwan's Historical Architecture: Erkan Village in Penghu

Unlike other traditional residences in Taiwan, due to the strong monsoon winds in autumn and winter, Erkan Village in Penghu not only preserves the traditional Minnan-style houses with stone bricks and red tile roofs, but the walls are also uniquely built with locally sourced coral limestone and basalt, giving it a distinctive island residential character. Walking into the village, the most representative building is the Chen Family Ancestral House, a grand mansion built during the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty by Chen Yanyi. It is a traditional Minnan-style house with five sections. Some of the old houses are also adorned with traditional Taiwanese painted tiles, making them perfect for photography. Many of the old houses in the village have been converted into museums and exhibition halls, introducing the lifestyle of the residents at that time, including the Erkan Museum, the Intertidal Zone Museum, and the Children's Toy Museum. Traditional snacks like Tofu Pudding and Almond Tea are must-tries. Next time you visit Penghu, besides engaging in water activities, island hopping, and watching fireworks, consider coming to Erkan Village to explore Taiwan's history through the lives of its residents.