Ding house, A Glimpse into the Rich Minnan Heritage

Zhongshan Road and Xinsheng Road intersection, Lugang Town, Changhua County

Introduction

Ding Family Ancestral House is a historic residence located on Zhongshan Road in Lukang City, Taiwan. The ancestors of the Ding family were of Hui ethnicity, originally migrating from Luoyang to Suzhou, and later settling in Quanzhou, Fujian province, in the village of Jiangtou in Chendai Township. The first generation ancestor was named Jin, with the courtesy name Shen Si and the alias Jie Qi. The genealogy of the Ding family also records the name of Sai Dianchi · Hui Hui Zhan Si Ding. Sai Dianchi · Hui Hui Zhan Si Ding was a member of the Sayyid ethnicity, and his ancestors were descendants of Ali, the son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. There is a paternal or grandson relationship between the first generation ancestor of the Ding family ancestral house and Sai Dianchi · Hui Hui Zhan Si Ding. The Ding Family Ancestral House is situated on the old street of Zhongshan Road in Lukang City. The Ding family ancestors originally came to Taiwan to engage in cross-strait trade. The Ding Family Ancestral House was first built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, using granite slabs and cedar wood from the mainland. The architectural layout is quite unique, with areas including storefronts, wells, skylights, courtyards, and main hall. Ding Shouquan, a descendant of the Ding family, achieved the imperial examination during the reign of Emperor Guangxu and later served as the dean of Baisha Academy. The Ding Family Ancestral House was restored in 2005 and has been designated as a county-level historic site, welcoming visitors for tours.