Lingjiang Bridge Li Family Courtyard

Lingjiang Bridge Li Family Courtyard

The remaining structures of the Li Family Courtyard still retain their original appearance in excellent condition. Built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, the courtyard features exquisite architecture and a well-planned layout. Covering an area of approximately 900 square meters, it is a traditional quadrangle courtyard with inner courtyards designed on both sides. The beams of the main hall are adorned with intricately carved patterns, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The wooden doors and windows are all fitted with latticed designs and remain well-preserved. The opposing rock wall and gate, along with the stone-paved courtyard, are largely intact, all constructed from uniform slate slabs. Most of the traditional tools are still present, giving the place a truly classic, old-world charm.

Li Cheng’en was the first owner of the Li Family Courtyard. He served as a guard official for Empress Dowager Cixi and was known as “Li Bangyan.” The Li Family Courtyard was originally built by Yu Minsong, inherited by Yu Qisan, the grandson of She Bichang, but later Yu Qisan lost the family fortune due to opium addiction and sold it to Li Cheng’en from Qixing Village, Yangbai Township, Tongjiang. After purchasing the property, Li Cheng’en had his nephew, Li Tengming, collect rent from the Guandu area. However, Li Tengming squandered the collected rent and lost it all through gambling. Li Cheng’en’s son, Li Bingru, had no sons of his own, so he adopted the eldest son of his wife’s elder maternal uncle from the Xu family, who was named Li Tengjiang. Li Tengjiang’s grandson now teaches at Nanchong No. 10 Middle School. At that time, tenant farmers Li Zhangming, Li Zhangqing, and Li Zhanghuan rented land from Li Cheng’en and lived in the Li Family Courtyard. After the liberation, the Li Family Courtyard was distributed to these tenant farmers for residence.