Nanyang Hall Deng Family Residence, Guansi

The Nanyang Hall Deng Family Residence in Guansi carries the historical memories of the Deng clan. The Deng clan, whose ancestral home is Raoping, Guangdong, saw its 12th generation ancestor, Deng Shiquan, journey across the sea to Taiwan, initially settling in Xinzhuang, Taipei. In the late 18th century, due to family expansion, they purchased land and properties in Dahankeng, Hsinchu. However, during the Daoguang Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty, frequent conflicts between Minnan and Hakka factions impacted the Hakka Deng family. Consequently, the 14th generation ancestor moved the entire family to Dahankeng, where they collaborated with other settlers to dig the 'Laogengliao Canal' and construct residences, gradually developing the area into a settlement. The Deng family's 'Nanyang Hall,' often referred to by clan members as the 'Old House,' is believed to have been initially built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. The structure seen today was renovated in Meiji 39 (1906) under the supervision of Liu Jialai, a master craftsman from Wufunpu, Xinpu. The Nanyang Hall Deng Family Residence is a typical Hakka 'huofang' (compound) building. Its current layout is 'one main hall and three side wings,' with a threshing ground in front and a well and 'huatai' (spirit mound) at the back, fully demonstrating the living functions of a traditional Hakka 'sanheyuan' (three-sided compound). The main hall serves as the ancestral hall, the left and right side wings are for clan members to reside, while the outer side wings are used for farming and animal husbandry, such as raising cattle and pigs. All building materials were sourced locally. Black tiles, adobe bricks, stacked brick walls, and wooden trusses all reflect the Hakka architectural style of utilizing local resources and a simple, practical approach. The interior design emphasizes feng shui, with the placement of the Earth Dragon God, Kitchen God, huatai, and Tiangong Shrine embodying the Hakka people's piety and faith. Notably, the Nanyang Hall Deng Family Residence features 'one-piece wooden doors' and a design where 'all doors are interconnected without side windows,' which not only considers safety but also incorporates feng shui principles. The migration and development of the Deng family is a typical example of the Hakka community's secondary migration, and it is also closely linked to the history of Han tenant farmers in the Zhujian Society's aboriginal reserve. Deng's descendants have actively participated in local affairs, covering religious, cultural, educational, and commercial development. Among them, Deng Jiezao, an 18th-generation clan member, originally operated a pharmacy within Hsinchu city. However, due to a severe infectious disease outbreak at the time, the Japanese government imposed a lockdown and quarantine, leaving only his wife, Chen Lianmei, surviving from his entire family. The medicinal powder he developed was later passed down to his 19th-generation descendant, Deng Shenghe, who improved it to create 'Guangdong Muye Powder,' which remains a popular product today. To strengthen family bonds, the clan established the 'Taiwan Deng Shiquan Descendants Family Association' in 2014, ensuring the continuation of this precious Hakka clan culture. The Nanyang Hall Deng Family Residence is not only a century-old ancestral home but also a testament to the history of Hakka pioneering in the Guansi area. Its complete architectural layout and rich cultural connotations make it an important site not to be missed by enthusiasts of Hakka history and architecture.