Chikanxi Lou Homestay. Homestay Permit No. 134, "Chikanxi Lou Homestay," is the former residence of Mr. Hong, a wealthy East Asian leather merchant. Its history can be traced back to the Taisho period. The current building was renovated. Homestay Permit No. 134, "Chikanxi Lou Homestay," is the former residence of Mr. Hong, a wealthy East Asian leather merchant. Its history can be traced back to the Taisho period. The current building was renovated in 1945, taking 7 years to complete using modern reinforced concrete (RC) construction methods, which was quite rare for private residences in early Taiwan. This building, with a total height of 4.5 stories, was once an important landmark in the vicinity. It is said to have been the tallest private residence in the Tainan area at the time, second only to Hayashi Department Store (a municipal historic site). Because it is located in an alley west of Chihkan Tower, it was once possible to directly overlook the scenery of Chihkan Tower. We nicknamed it "Chikan Xiaoxi Lou" (Chihkan Small West Building), and later changed "Xi" (West) to the homophonous character "Xi" (Seal), officially naming it "Chikanxi Lou Homestay." Today, there are many stories about this building, all passed down by word of mouth from neighbors. Some may be exaggerated or imagined by later generations, and their authenticity is almost impossible to verify, but we are still deeply attracted by some of these stories. For example, the story of a filial son who, to make it easier for his mother with bound feet to go to the nearby Grand Stage (next to Chihkan Tower) to watch her favorite Taiwanese opera and puppet shows, the family specially moved here and rebuilt this house. Perhaps because of this, the entire building, while grand, lacks rigid lines and has more of a softer touch.
Address: 臺南市中西區西門路二段372巷10號
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Tainan