Chen Jhonghe Memorial Hall

The Chen Jhonghe Memorial Hall, located in Lingya District, was once the residence of the Chen Jhonghe family, Kaohsiung's foremost prominent family. Completed in 1925, this Baroque-style mansion covered a building area of 900 ping, with the garden spanning a total of 2700 ping. Its sophisticated, exquisite, and elegantly grand architecture made it the first private Western-style mansion in the Kaohsiung area back then. The building is a two-story brick structure. Its exterior features elaborate Western architectural elements such as arches, columns, verandas, and triangular pediments. The interior, however, follows a 'Nine Palaces' grid design, incorporating classical pediments, dormer windows, keystone elements, floor paving, window frames, and stone pillars, while retaining the traditional Southern Min architectural layout. This blend fully showcases its unique East-meets-West eclectic architectural style. This once magnificent first Western-style mansion faded and became weathered over the years. In 1996, a foundation established by the descendants of the Chen family specially commissioned the Department of Architecture at National Cheng Kung University to restore it according to historical records, open it to the public, and display Chen family artifacts. Strolling along the verandas filled with the grandeur of the past, visitors can appreciate the architectural beauty and the storied history of this prominent family. Cultural and artistic activities further enrich the spirit. Leaning on the railings, one can gaze at the port's sunset and enjoy the infinitely beautiful, expansive seascape.