The Li Residence

The Li Residence

The Li Residence is a cultural heritage site protected by the Wenzhou Municipal Government.

The Li Family Residence is one of the typical residential buildings that emerged after Wenzhou’s port opened, showcasing a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles. Located at No. 3, Lane 36, Washi Alley, Mochi Community, it faces south and consists of a north courtyard, a south courtyard, and an eastern wing. The northern courtyard features an “H-shaped” layout, comprising north and south wing rooms and a main house, with a courtyard on both the north and south sides. The main house is a single-story wooden structure with five bays, the south wing room has two single-story bays, and the north wing room has three single-story bays (the eastern west wing has been modified). The southern side of the south courtyard has a blue brick gate tower leading to the south courtyard (now sealed off). The east courtyard has a linear “I-shaped” layout, divided into two smaller courtyards by a north-south feng shui wall in the middle, which is pierced by a door to allow passage. The north part of the east courtyard is a seven-bay single-story mixed brick-and-wood structure (three bays east of the feng shui wall and four bays west), with a courtyard to the south. The south courtyard has an “H-shaped” layout, consisting of north and south wing rooms, a gate tower, and the main house. The gate tower is built of brick in a wood-like style. The main house is a two-story wooden structure with three bays, featuring east and west side rooms, with the upper parts of both side firewalls designed in the shape of Guanyin hoods. The west side room is a three-bay two-story wooden structure, the east side room is also a three-bay two-story wooden structure, with a door on the east side leading to the east courtyard, and an internal passage in the west side room connecting to the north courtyard.

The Li family from Yongjia came to Wenzhou in the late Qing Dynasty, initially opening an oil shop on Kang Le Fang, and later adding the southern courtyard in the early Republic of China period. In April 2000, the Li Residence was designated as part of the fourth batch of cultural heritage sites by the Wenzhou Municipal People's Government.

Time Period: Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China

Date of Designation: April 2, 2000

Category: Historic Architecture

Protective Boundary: Currently, the protected area is defined and controlled by the surrounding building walls.