Feng Daoli Residence

Feng Daoli Residence

The Feng Daoli Residence was the home of Feng Daoli (1782–1860), a renowned hydrologist of the Qing Dynasty. During his lifetime, Feng authored several treatises on water conservancy. The residence was originally built during the Qianlong era (1736–1795), covering an area of 508 square meters. Currently, only the gatehouse and main hall remain, with a total built-up area of 177.12 square meters. The complex faces south. The main hall is three bays wide (10.41 meters) and seven rafters deep (7.2 meters), featuring a flush gable roof. The gatehouse faces east, is two bays wide (10.29 meters), five rafters deep (4.36 meters), and also has a flush gable roof.

Feng Daoli, styled Wutang and also known as Xiyuan, was a native of Shijian Town, Dongtai City, Jiangsu Province. He was born in the 47th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty and passed away in the 10th year of the Xianfeng reign (1782–1860), at the age of 79. The Huaiyang region is an alluvial plain, and whenever the Huai River flooded, rivers and lakes overflowed, turning the land into a vast expanse of water. The harrowing scenes of the local people suffering from water disasters left a deep impression on Feng Daoli during his childhood. Endowed with intelligence and a love for learning from a young age, he read extensively and harbored great ambitions—to become a hydrologist like Li Bing or Guo Shoujing, to serve his hometown, and to contribute to the nation. He read many works related to hydrology and studied the successes and failures of previous experts in the field of water management. For example, he conducted in-depth research and analysis on the treatise "Comprehensive Discussions on River Management" by Pan Jixun, a Ming Dynasty expert in Yellow River management, identifying both the insightful points and shortcomings within.

Address: No. 2, Beitang Lane, Shijian Town, Dongtai City

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units