The Danshui Red Mansion is a captivating landmark. It stands as a testament to the changing fortunes of Danshui. The mansion, with its distinctive red brick facade, was originally known as “Takkan.” It was built in 1899 by Lee Hong-Yi, a wealthy merchant who made his fortune in the shipping industry. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived. Tragedy struck when two of his ships met with accidents, leaving him in financial ruin. In 1913, he was forced to sell the mansion to Hung Yi-Nan. Hung Yi-Nan was a prominent figure in Taipei at the time, serving as the secretary to the governor. Upon acquiring the Red Mansion, he renamed it “Tat-guan,” a poetic name reflecting the breathtaking views from the building.
Hung Yi-Nan was a scholar and a poet. He transformed the Red Mansion into a gathering place for intellectuals and artists. It became a hub for literary salons and social gatherings. The mansion’s veranda offered panoramic vistas. You could see the bustling Danshui River, the vibrant Tamsui Old Street, and even the distant Guanyin Mountain. These stunning views made it a popular spot for photographers. Many images of Danshui’s harbor and streets from the Japanese era were captured from this vantage point.
After Hung Yi-Nan’s passing, the Red Mansion went through a period of neglect. Then, in 1963, his descendants sold the property to the Hung family. The new owners were entrepreneurs who ran the “De-Yi” fish ball restaurant. They undertook extensive renovations, transforming the building into a restaurant. In 2000, further restoration work was completed, restoring the mansion to its former glory. Today, it serves as the “Red Mansion Restaurant,” a popular dining destination. It is also an art gallery, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of Danshui. The Danshui Red Mansion serves as a poignant reminder of the area’s rich past. It has witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes, the gathering of great minds, and the evolution of Danshui into the vibrant town it is today.