Jukuiju

Jukuiju is said to be one of the most mysterious ruins hidden away in the countryside of Taichung. This Baroque-style mansion was built around 1920 and is now dominated by unkempt grass and overgrown bushes. After years of neglect, the trees have claimed this building for themselves, making the whole building a giant brick flower pot for the foliage that pours out of the roof. This abandoned derelict place appears mostly unbroken on the outside but still draws in some urban explorers and thrill seekers to seek out the mysteries that lie behind the walls. Photography enthusiasts can be often seen among the crowds, and a significant number of adventurous newlyweds love coming here to shoot their wedding portraits as well.

The structure itself is a fine example of West meets East. It is a typical sanheyuan (courtyard house) while the front hall is a two-story mansion in the Western style. In the center of the courtyard is a fountain, where gable walls, arches and cloisters can also be found, creating a nostalgia that lingers on and keeps inviting you back to the place. Its grandness confirmed the growing status of the family at the time. In 2012, Jukuiju was named a national historic site, mostly owing to its architectural significance. However, due to unclear ownership, this place is still being left abandoned and unrepaired even though the earthquakes that have occurred in the past few years caused damage to the wing on the left.