Lin Family Gardens

The Lin Family Gardens is located in Banchiao City in Taipei County, southwest of Taipei City. It is the best traditional-styled garden in northern Taiwan. The garden used to be called "Lin Ben Yuan's Garden" or "Banchiao Resort". The name "Ben Yuan" means "remembering one's origin".

The garden was built during 1888 to 1893. Classified as a second degree historic site, the well-kept compound exhibits characteristics of gardens and residences of Ching (Qing) Dynasty. Part of the construction materials and technicians came from Mainland China. The many pavilions, arches and ponds in the compound reflect the quiet life style of traditional Chinese scholars and intellectuals.

The mansion itself has unique windows of different styles. Its outer walls are covered with brick ornaments. There is delicate carving on the doors, within the halls and on the numerous columns supporting roof covers above the front porch. The whole structure fully presents the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture.

The garden was donated to the government in 1976 and was fully restored. It was opened to the public in 1987.

The Lin Family Gardens is located at No. 9, Ximen Street, in Taipei County's Banchiao City. It opens daily from 9am to 5pm.