臺北市政府文化局

Visiting the former residence of renowned musician Lee Lim-chhiu offers an immersive glimpse into the domestic life and details of Taiwan 70 to 80 years ago.

From Longing for the Spring Breeze to Endless Seasons of Red and Mending the Broken Net, Lee Lim-chhiu’s celebrated lyrics remain popular to this day. Lee’s work resonates with life’s many emotions and challenges, whether it’s the irrepressible joy of lovers captured in “There’s a glimmer of hope for us both”, or the quiet resilience in “Even if there’s no hope, one must persevere”.

Born into a prosperous grain merchant family, Lee Lim-chhiu’s fortunes changed when the family fell on hard times. After graduating from Dalongdong Public School in 1923, he could not pursue further education and took on odd jobs to support his family: selling red bean cakes, working as a vendor, and even being a laborer. Lee eventually found a foothold at Yongle Theatre, run by tea merchant Chen Tianlai who was also his mother’s uncle. It was here, close to his home, that Lee’s talents began to flourish. Starting with lyrics for movie soundtracks like Repentance and A Red Egg, he progressed to script-writing. In 1955, he set up Yongle Film Studio and ventured into filmmaking. His home bears witness to the many ups and downs of his life. 

Lee Lim-chhiu's former residence had been converted into a home from its original identity as a tea factory owned by the Chen family. Now restored and repurposed as a memorial hall, it showcases Lee’s manuscripts and celebrates his contributions to music. The residence is located in Dadaocheng, an area beloved of history enthusiasts and those who cherish traditional snacks and antiques. The neighborhood includes everything, from tea shops and markets to temples and churches, and offers a wealth of stories at every turn.

Nearby Dadaocheng Park not only features a statue of Lee Lim-chhiu but also regularly plays his songs, creating a sensory link to his legacy. With the addition of the Lee Lim-chhiu Former Residence, Dadaocheng has gained yet another destination where visitors can delve into history and hear timeless stories.