The Ancient Architectural Complex of Chen Hongqing’s Former Residence

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Chen Hongqing’s Former Residence

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Chen Hongqing’s Former Residence is a cultural tourism attraction.

Chen Hongqing

A native of Lufu Village in Dongxiang, Chen Hongqing was born in the 14th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1835). He was appointed as a Colonel of the Infantry, and successively served as the Commander of the Left Sector Infantry of the Liuzhou Defense Battalion, and as the Commander of the Third Army of the Guangxi Self-Government Army. In the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924), he took the lead in calling on local gentry to raise funds for the renovation of the Wuxuan Confucius Temple. In 1870, he built his family residence in Changtang Village, Dongxiang. The residence faces west, covers an area of 50 mu, with a built-up area of 30 mu, and includes 88 rooms. It is constructed with a composite structure of blue bricks, mud bricks, timber, and blue tiles. The entire architectural complex is logically laid out and features the characteristics of traditional ancient southern Chinese architecture. Its decorative elements—such as carved dragons and phoenixes, swimming fish and birds, as well as scrolling vines and interlocking flowers—are vividly colored and exquisitely crafted. The building complex remains inhabited by his descendants, so it is relatively well-preserved and holds significant historical, artistic, and scientific research value. It represents a typical example of the ancient residential architecture and traditional ethnic building styles in Wuxuan County.