Chih-Wen, Lan

China University of Technology, Department of Architecture

Taiwan, Taipei

Chih-Wen Lan is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in cultural studies and architectural education. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at China University of Technology, Department of Architecture, Chih-Wen specializes in driving initiatives focused on cultural heritage preservation and AI trend for architectural education. With a strong academic background, including a PhD degree in Heritage Conservation from University of Bamberg, Germany, Chih-Wen has led numerous research projects, particularly exploring the religious spaces for urban conservation.
Chih-Wen’s work includes coordinating international teams and liaising with government bodies and international organizations to promote sustainable cultural conservation and up-to-date skill training.
Passionate about community engagement, Chih-Wen actively participates in local cultural events and contributes to scholarly publications. Her commitment to preserving cultural identity continues to drive her professional endeavors.

Religious Sites and the Sense of Place: A Study of Ba-Kou Worship in Tai'an Township, Miaoli

Religion is a crucial core for maintaining ethnic groups and society. Religious places not only represent architectural beauty and decorative significance but also serve as essential ritual locations for maintaining ethnic and social connections. In Miaoli’s Tai’an Township, although the Hakka ethnic group is a minority, the significance of tangible religious places can be understood through their devout and continuous worship activities. Additionally, there are intangible cultural and ethnic connections.
Tai’an Township experienced an influx of Han Chinese during the Japanese colonial period, primarily due to camphor-related industries. Historical data indicates that the incoming Han Chinese were predominantly Hakka. The township’s economy was once centered around camphor, lemongrass, and coal mining. Despite multiple economic transitions, the Hakka people in Tai’an Township have demonstrated resilience and creativity. Their spatial distribution still reflects economic, geographical, and historical significance, which can be interpreted from the locations of worship for the deity Ba-Kou.
The mountainous landscape and the Hakka ethnic group in Miaoli’s Tai’an Township exhibit both tangible and intangible cultural spatial meanings. Based on field surveys and Hakka cultural resource investigations, this study marks the locations of Ba-Kou worship in Tai’an Township on maps. By comparing historical and contemporary Hakka settlements in Miaoli, it aims to understand the connection between ethnicity and the natural mountain environment. This research provides a basis for recognizing and preserving the value of Hakka cultural resources in the future.

mountainous landscape, Ethnic groups, Religious locations, Hakka culture