Xuehai Academy is the last remaining Qing Dynasty-era academy in Taipei. It was once the center of learning in Taipei nearly two centuries ago, but later fell into disrepair. It was later converted into an ancestral hall and maintained by the Gao Family. Currently, it is under renovation, but hopefully it will open to the public soon.
🏯 Planning your trip to Taipei? 🏮
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- You can buy tickets to museums in Taipei for a discount on Klook here
- How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
- Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
- Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
Historical Background:
Xuehai Academy, originally named Wenjia Academy, is a historic Confucian academy located in Wanhua District, Taipei, built in 1837 during the Qing Dynasty. It was one of five major academies in the Taipei Basin and is now the only surviving academy structure in the city. Established under the direction of Qing officials, it took seven years to complete and was later officially named Xuehai Academy in 1847. The academy played a central role in northern Taiwan’s education, hosting scholars and even serving temporarily as a county school. Notable figures such as educator Chen Wei-ying enhanced its reputation. After Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895, the academy gradually fell into disuse, was repurposed, and eventually sold. In 1908, it was purchased by members of the Gao clan and converted into their ancestral hall, a function it retains today. Recognized as a municipal historic site in 1985, the building remains an important cultural relic, though it is still under reconstruction and is not yet open to the public.
Hours:
Closed for renovations.
Price:
Free
Where to stay:
We recommend Fullon Hotel, which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here.
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home, which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Activities in Taipei:
There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei, such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here.
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: The Academy is on Section 2 of Huanhe Road in western Taipei. There is limited paid parking nearby, but not on-site.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By MRT/Bus: The museum is within walking distance of Longshan Temple MRT Station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle:
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here.
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.
Map:
Please see below to see:
Our Journey:
I have driven by Xuehai Academy countless times, and every time it is under renovation. I hope those renovations are worth it and that the building will be open for the public to enjoy in the future. After three years of driving by this, waiting for an update, I have decided to just make this post with what I have. Hopefully, I can get some better photos in the future when the building is finished.
Renovations have been ongoing here for a while. And they are deserved. This is one of the most historically important buildings in Taipei.
Originally, the construction sign said it would finish in 2024, but that has been extended. Construction has gone on since 2023 until the time of this post.
I’m not quite sure why they needed so many mattresses for the renovation.
View from behind the building.
Check out our Taipei Museum Guide here.
Check out our full guide to Taipei here.
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