Restoration of Shetou Liu Clan Ancestral Hall 'Fangshan Tang' in Changhua Completed, Reviving Historical Glory

(Central News Agency, reporter Zheng Weizhen, Changhua, 11th) The main building restoration of the historic 'Shetou Liu Clan Ancestral Hall Fangshan Tang' in Changhua County has been completed after two years. Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei presented a plaque today, stating that the county government has applied to the Bureau of Cultural Heritage for subsequent funding for painting and other work, hoping to complete the overall restoration in phases.

The Changhua County Government held a completion celebration event at 'Shetou Liu Clan Ancestral Hall Fangshan Tang' today. Wang Huei-mei presented a plaque inscribed 'Fang Yan Peng Cheng' to celebrate the revival of the historical glory of Fangshan Tang.

Wang said that Fangshan Tang is a spiritual symbol for the Liu clan in the Shetou area and an important testament to the ancestors' pioneering and development into the Bagua Mountain foothills. The architecture integrates the washed-stone technique, exquisite clay sculpture, and painted art from the Japanese colonial Showa period. The clay carvings on the front of the Sanchuan Hall are delicate and vivid, and the stacked-bucket wooden structure holds precious significance in architectural and technical history. It was officially registered as a historic building in Changhua County in 2010.

The Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, approved a total restoration budget of NT$49.26 million in 2023. The Bureau subsidized 80%, the county government contributed 15%, and the remaining was self-raised by the ancestral hall. The project included main building restoration, pest and termite control, environmental cleanup and greening, and fire equipment upgrades. During construction, hidden parts were discovered, leading to additional work items such as roof truss components, for which the county government added NT$1 million for design changes.

Wang stated that the project commenced in April 2024 and was completed in February this year. The county government applied to the Bureau of Cultural Heritage in April for funding for the subsequent investigation and design of paintings and decorative components, hoping to complete the overall restoration in phases, making Fangshan Tang an important cultural site for generational inheritance and sustainable revitalization. (Editor: Chen Qingfang) 1150611