The visionary chairman of Lien Jade Real Estate, one of Taiwan’s most influential developers, shares his thoughts on building with purpose and meaning
“Quality is the foundation of a home, and building well is our responsibility,” says Chiang Wei-Lun. As the man at the helm of Lien Jade Real Estate—Taiwan’s premier luxury property developer behind Taichung’s most iconic architectural landmarks like Grand Palace and Plato Palace—Chiang has always demonstrated a fierce committed to shaping the city he loves through thoughtful development and a deep sense of corporate social responsibility.
A trailblazing developer whose first business was in the vastly different field of manufacturing shoeboxes in China, Chiang founded Lien Jade Real Estate in 1994 when he “felt the urge to explore something new”.
“Architecture emerged as a natural path,” he explains. “It holds extraordinary influence as it can shape how people live, how cities grow, and how legacies are remembered, even centuries later.”
With Taichung being Chiang’s hometown, he naturally gravitated towards the city. Driven by Chiang’s keen eye for detail, and his belief that good architecture must embody “both human warmth and artistic beauty”, Lien Jade has completed 14 landmark buildings to date. In addition, the brand currently has four projects under development—including Alioth Palace, a pair of twin residential towers that will become the tallest residential buildings in Taichung.
What drew you to real estate?
At 28, I launched my first business—a shoebox factory in Dongguan—which remains my core trade to this day. Around 1994, I felt the urge to explore something new. Architecture emerged as a natural path. As Taichung is my hometown, it became the starting point for a new chapter. I aspired to refine integrated architecture with precision and beauty, to bring meaningful change to Taiwan while moving closer to the ideals I carry in my heart.
How would you define luxury real estate in today’s Asian context?
I rarely use the word “luxury”. What matters more is how a home balances safety, functionality, and beauty in a way that elevates life. My goal has always been to bring the ideal home to life. Once complete, I hope its cultural essence can be shared and deeply felt by those who live within.
You’ve collaborated with international architects like Kengo Kuma, ACPV Architects, and Tadao Ando. What do you prioritise most in these design collaborations?
Our collaborations with Kengo Kuma, ACPV Architects, and Tadao Ando are built on mutual respect and shared ideals. Before each partnership begins, I take time to visit their works around the world —not just to admire their design, but to understand the spirit behind their architecture. That understanding helps us find common ground and creative synergy.
Lien Jade’s architecture is renowned for blending Eastern philosophical values with Western neoclassical design. Why does this approach resonate so strongly with your clients?
Our philosophy is “Western forms, Eastern soul.” Western architecture offers a rich aesthetic lineage; Eastern tradition brings cultural depth. Each has its own strengths—like artifacts in a museum that transcend time and place yet resonate universally. Consider the unexpected harmony between Taoist philosophy and Renaissance thought. I believe that truly beautiful things transcend culture. But to recognise their essence, one must approach with sensitivity, patience, and understanding.
In what ways do you believe architecture can help shape the emotional and cultural identity of a city like Taichung?
All of Lien Jade’s projects have been concentrated in one place—Taichung’s 7th Redevelopment Zone. Over the past 30 years—about as long as Lien Jade has existed—this area has transformed into Taichung’s political, financial, and cultural heart. Our buildings have become part of the city’s landscape and with that comes a responsibility. Architecture must find a balance between “being admired” and “admiring its surroundings.”
What legacy do you wish to see Lien Jade leave behind?
When we build, we don’t think in decades—we think in centuries. For a building to truly belong to a city, it must echo the rhythm of local life. It must find balance, so it can remain relevant and renew itself through generations.
Through the Lien Jade Cultural & Educational Foundation, we’ve revived memories through urban rice fields, invited the public into art fairs and musical performances, and created places like the Children’s Book Forest and Lien Jade Park. We hope these efforts, centered on culture, education, humanity, and daily life will inspire future generations to live with beauty, to build with meaning, and to create cities where community can truly thrive.
