Former Residence and Ancestral Hall of Li Guangdi

Former Residence and Ancestral Hall of Li Guangdi

The Former Residence and Ancestral Hall of Li Guangdi is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Qing Dynasty

Address: Houtou Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province

Houtou Town was historically one of the major commodity exchange and distribution hubs in southern and central Fujian, as well as the origin point at the eastern end of the ancient maritime Silk Road for tea and ceramics. It flourished especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties. “The town has two to three hundred ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods, with over 190 located within the town area alone, including 68 relatively intact Ming and Qing residences, each a frozen poem.”

The Xianliang Ancestral Hall, built in the 24th year of the Kangxi reign (1685), houses imperial calligraphy by Emperor Kangxi including the “Explanation of the Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate” and “Poem on Inspecting the Ziya River Dam,” as well as a stone inscription of Emperor Yongzheng’s “Imperial Condolence Text.” It serves as important physical material for studying Kangxi’s calligraphy and early Qing history.

The Xin Ya (New Official Residence) and Jiu Ya (Old Official Residence), both built in the early Qing period, have a construction area of 3,120 square meters for Xin Ya, featuring three plaques inscribed by Emperor Kangxi and two pairs of couplets. Jiu Ya extends through five courtyards with wing rooms on both sides.

The Wenfang Grand House is large in scale, with over 100 rooms.

The Xianliang Ancestral Hall, Xin Ya, Jiu Ya, and Wenfang together are collectively known as the “Former Residence and Ancestral Hall of Li Guangdi.” With a long history, they carry historical memories of Li Guangdi’s life and deeds, along with plaques, couplets, and stone inscriptions bestowed by two emperors of the Qing Dynasty. They integrate history, science, and art. Experts note: “The Former Residence and Ancestral Hall of Li Guangdi can be regarded as the most representative ancient architectural complex in Houtou Town.”

More than 300 years later, after several renovations, the Wenfang Grand House is still inhabited by descendants of Li Guangdi’s second uncle, Li Rizhu; the Jiu Ya is home to descendants of Li Guangdi’s eldest son, Li Zhonglun; while the Xin Ya and Xianliang serve as the Li Guangdi Memorial Hall open to visitors.

Li Guangdi (1642–1718), courtesy name Jinqing, style name Hou’an, also known as Rongcun, was a native of Houtou, Anxi, Quanzhou. A descendant of Li Boyao, the Pioneer of Zhangzhou and General Fusheng. His ancestral family was from Duidong Village, Punan Town, Xiangcheng District, Zhangzhou City. Later, guided by the feng shui master Huang Miaoying, his ancestors relocated Li Boyao’s tomb to Duidong and, following Huang’s advice, settled in Houtou (there is also a story behind this).

In the 9th year of the Kangxi reign (1670), he passed the imperial examination and entered the Hanlin Academy, eventually rising to the position of Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion and Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. During his official career, he achieved remarkable political accomplishments and made great contributions. Emperor Kangxi awarded him three imperial plaques... More detailed information about Li Guangdi ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units