The Old Liu Family Mansion, also referred to as the Minxiong Ghost House, holds a notorious reputation as one of Taiwan’s most haunted locations. Situated in the rural outskirts near Chiayi, a city in southwest Taiwan, this three-story mansion was once a magnificent residence. However, in the 1950s, the Liu family abruptly vacated the property, leaving it deserted ever since.
The Theories
Numerous theories abound regarding the sudden departure of the Liu family from their once-stately abode, many intertwined with tales of the supernatural. Among these, the most prevalent legend centers around a maid who purportedly engaged in a forbidden romance with Liu Rong-yu, the patriarch of the household and a prosperous merchant and landowner. As the story goes, when their illicit affair was uncovered, overwhelmed by shame, the maid tragically took her own life by plunging into the well (*). Legend has it that her vengeful spirit returned to torment the Liu family relentlessly, driving them to the brink of insanity. Unable to endure the haunting any longer, the family fled their ancestral home, leaving it vulnerable to the whims of wandering spirits, the forces of nature, and occasional curious visitors.
-An alternative theory posits that upon discovering her husband’s infidelity, Liu Rong-yu’s wife subjected the maid to relentless mistreatment and agony. It’s believed that the maid’s unbearable suffering ultimately led her to a tragic demise, as she met her end by throwing herself down the well, consumed by despair-
Connection To The Army
Yet another widely circulated tale revolves around the presence of the Imperial Japanese Army at the mansion during the Second World War. According to this narrative, Japanese soldiers were stationed at the ghost house, and one fateful night, a lone soldier on guard duty caught sight of a moving figure near the perimeter of the grounds. Startled, he opened fire, prompting the other troops to join in, shooting into the darkness. When dawn broke, a chilling discovery awaited—all the soldiers lay dead, having inexplicably massacred each other during the chaotic night.
Adding to the intrigue, another account involves Taiwanese soldiers who purportedly fell ill and met their demise after spending time in the house. However, while it’s widely speculated that the Liu family’s decision to abandon the mansion might have been influenced by personal reasons such as business or educational opportunities, the exact motive remains shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, it remains puzzling that a family of apparent wealth would allow their once-magnificent home to fall into such a state of disrepair.
As for the mansion’s architecture, it was built in 1929, boasting a classic Baroque style. However, over time, the redbrick structure has fallen victim to nature’s reclamation, with atmospheric, twisted vines now entwining much of its exterior. This striking scene draws comparisons to Ta Prohm and other Angkorian ruins found in Cambodia, where nature has intertwined with ancient structures, crafting a hauntingly beautiful landscape.