The Lins are one of Taiwan’s five great historic clans since Qing Dynasty. This family has experienced and survived a tumultuous chapter in modern... More

The Lins are one of Taiwan’s five great historic clans since Qing Dynasty. This family has experienced and survived a tumultuous chapter in modern history. Through it, we can see the changing relations between Taiwan and the rest of the world. Noted for their military prowess, the militia family was recruited to help suppress the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) against the ruling Dynasty. During the Sino-French War, the Lins were recruited again to Keelung, where they successfully stopped an invasion by the French army. In return, they were awarded titles by the imperial court and tremendous wealth in the form of a camphor monopoly, until the cession of Taiwan to Japan in 1895. The family always has to make choices — choices to side with the central government or regional forces, to become Japanese or Chinese. Each step that the family leader take will change the future of the Lins and all Taiwanese people.  Close