Former Residence of Lei Lvtai

Former Residence of Lei Lvtai

The Former Residence of Lei Lvtai is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Former Residence of Lei Lvtai

Former Residence of Lei Lvtai (Fourth Batch Provincial Protected Site)

Era: Qing Dynasty

The Former Residence of Lei Lvtai was built between the late Jiaqing era and early Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. It served as the long-term residence and workplace of Lei Lvtai for over 20 years during the mid to late stages of his life. The residence faces south and consists of four independent yet interconnected courtyards: the East Courtyard, Middle Courtyard (commonly referred to as the West Courtyard), East Side Courtyard, and West Side Courtyard, covering a total area of 3,888 square meters.

The Middle Courtyard (also called the West Courtyard) is the main part of the "residence" and features the typical Pingyao-style "three-section, two-courtyard, hallway" layout. The construction uses large materials, with bold designs, and the brick, wood, and stone components are adorned with distinctive carvings.

Draft banks were a type of private financial institution that emerged in the 1820s, primarily engaged in three major services: remittances, deposits, and loans across regions — essentially private banks. Lei Lvtai was the first manager of Rishengchang and the founder of China’s first draft bank. In his early years in Pingyao, he started as an apprentice, later catching the eye of Li Daquan, the young master of Xiyucheng Paint Shop. Soon after, he was appointed as an executive at the Hankou branch, and later transferred to lead the Kyoto branch. In the third year of the Daoguang era (1823), Lei founded China’s first draft bank — Rishengchang — and served as its general manager, dedicating his life to its growth.

The Former Residence of Lei Lvtai was built during the Daoguang era, over 180 years ago. The entire compound faces south and is a typical quadrangle courtyard in the style of the central Shanxi plain. The construction uses refined materials, is sturdy and practical, with simple yet unadorned architectural craftsmanship. Its grand and majestic design fully reflects the considerable wealth of a financier and his pragmatic entrepreneurial spirit.

The southern hall of the residence was previously used for entertaining guests and now displays panels narrating Lei’s life story. The main room is the highest-ranking space in the compound, once the living quarters of Lei Lvtai. The most valuable preserved feature in the house is the mural on the wall, which dates back over 180 years. It was painted by Lei himself using premium pigments from his own home, depicting the opera “Drunken Beating of the Golden Branch” on one side and “Loyal Hearts Defend the Nation” in the study opposite.

In May 2013, the Former Residence of Lei Lvtai was announced as part of the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Address: No. 11 Shuyuan Street, Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City (near the South Gate)

Type: Celebrity Former Residence

Recommended Visiting Time: Suggested 0.5–1 hour

Phone: 0354-5682314

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday Peak Season (Mar 1 – Nov 30): 8:00–18:30; Off-Season (Dec 1 – end of Feb): 8:00–17:30

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Pingyao Ancient City Pass. Ancient City Pass: ¥120 (peak season), ¥90 (off-season), valid for three days.

Lei Lvtai (1770–1849), from Xiyao Village (now Longyue Village), was a founder of China’s draft bank industry during the Qing Dynasty. Born into a merchant family, his family fortunes declined in childhood, and he became an apprentice in a trading firm in his teens. Later, he earned the recognition of Li Daquan, son of the owner of Xiyucheng Paint Shop in Pingyao, and was recruited into Xiyucheng. He successively served as manager of the Hankou and Beijing branches. In his business operations, Lei observed that merchants relying on escort agencies to transport silver were both cumbersome and insecure. Inspired by the concept of "Feiqian," which originated in the early years of Emperor Xianzong of Tang’s Yuanhe era... [Lei Lvtai Detailed Info++]

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit

· Seventh Batch National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit