The second section of the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion is the second courtyard in the overall “five-section, eleven-bay” layout, located after the first section and before the third section. The entrance halls of the first and second sections were expanded by Lin Chao-tung between the 9th year of the Tongzhi reign (1870) and the 9th year of the Guangxu reign (1883).
The second section is also referred to as the “Jiao Hall”. Its walls still preserve calligraphy and painting inscriptions, making it an important space for observing the mansion’s architectural culture and traditional calligraphic art.
As the second layer of the mansion, the second section is more internal and private than the first section. Unlike the first section, which is open for receiving guests, it was primarily used for family activities and ceremonial purposes.
The walls retain several precious calligraphy works, including a four-panel piece by Li Hongzhang and inscriptions by Wu Lu, reflecting the Lin family’s close connections with political and cultural elites of the time.
The architectural layout continues the central axis symmetry, with side wings (hùlóng) on both sides, creating a complete courtyard space that demonstrates the strict and dignified layering characteristic of an official’s residence.
Through its calligraphy and spatial design, the second section symbolizes the Lin family’s cultural status and scholarly refinement in Qing society. The calligraphy on the walls is not only an art form but also represents the family’s relationships with high-ranking officials and literati.