The Shi Family Ancient Residential Complex

The Shi Family Ancient Residential Complex

The Shi Family Ancient Residential Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Shi Family Ancient Residential Complex is a large, typical clan-based architectural ensemble from the Qing Dynasty in the Jiangnan region. Located by Dongbai Lake in Shizhai Township, Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province, it covers an area of 1.3 hectares. Most of the existing residences were built during the Qing Dynasty, totaling fourteen structures. The most representative ones include the Shisheng Residence, Faxiang Residence, and Huaguo Mansion. The Shisheng Residence was built around 1798 by local resident Si Yuanru; the "Bifeng Study" was constructed in 1822; the Faxiang Residence was built around 1802 by Si Yuanru’s elder brother, Yuan’er; the Huaguo Mansion served as the family temple of Si Guohua, and also housed a school, with its construction dating back to the 20th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1840).

Each cluster within the Shi Family Ancient Residences is enclosed by high walls, forming an independent architectural complex. The interiors consist of several courtyards arranged symmetrically along clear axes.

The Shi Family Ancient Residences serve as a “mirror” reflecting the socioeconomic development of China during the Jiaqing and Daoguang eras of the Qing Dynasty. They represent a perfect integration of architectural technology, aesthetics, and ecology in ancient Jiangnan residences, and are important physical materials for studying the ethical and clan systems of China’s feudal society.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units