Former Residence of Shi Pingmei

Former Residence of Shi Pingmei

The Former Residence of Shi Pingmei is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Former Residence of Shi Pingmei (Fifth Batch of Provincial-Level Protected Sites)

Era: Qing Dynasty to Republican Era

Address: Xiaohé Village, Yijing Town, suburban Yangquan City

The Xiaohé Village residence of the Shi family, ancestral home of Shi Pingmei, was built during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty and has a history of over 270 years. Initially constructed by the Shi Xianyu family, the residence is situated on the western hillside at the southern entrance of Xiaohé Village, facing east with its back to the mountain and front to the water. The courtyard layout is terraced and can be roughly divided into three main levels from bottom to top: the first level mainly consists of the “Hanqing Hall” courtyard; the second level mainly includes the “Sanyuan Hall” courtyard; and the third and uppermost level is primarily the “Mingyuan Hall” courtyard. The total construction area is about 10,000 square meters. There are 65 cave dwellings and 112 rooms in the courtyards. On the north side of the complex lies an exquisitely designed small garden that exudes the charm of a classical Jiangnan-style landscape.

The Shi Family Ancestral Residence in Xiaohé Village is a large compound made up of twenty-one smaller courtyards. The compound has six main gates, three back gates, and the twenty-one courtyards are interconnected by seventy-two passageways—some going up, some down, some left, some right—creating a layout of courtyards within courtyards, above and beside one another. When the seventy-two passageways are open, the courtyards connect seamlessly, creating a maze-like, mysterious atmosphere; when closed, each courtyard remains quietly independent. The layout follows the natural contours of the mountain, featuring two or three-courtyard quadrangle compounds. Each small courtyard has terraces of varying heights to adjust for differences in elevation. On these terraces sit three cave dwellings— one bright room flanked by two darker ones—while the lower areas feature wing rooms on the left and right. Each courtyard also has decorative screens inside and outside its gate, and the passages between the smaller courtyards vary in width. Each wing room has stairs leading to the roof, and the roofs are interconnected in a casual yet functional manner.

The Former Residence of Shi Pingmei is a large compound composed of twenty-one smaller courtyards. The compound has six main gates, three back gates, and the twenty-one courtyards are connected by seventy-two passageways, which go up or down, left or right—forming a layout of nested and adjacent courtyards. When the seventy-two passageways are open, all courtyards are interconnected, creating a labyrinthine, mysterious feel; when they are closed, each courtyard remains quietly self-contained. The layout adapts to the mountain terrain with two or three-courtyard, quadrangle-style compounds. Each small courtyard features terraces of varying heights to accommodate the slope. These terraces hold three cave dwellings—one bright room with two darker ones—while below are matching wing rooms. Each courtyard's gate is adorned with decorative screens, and narrow or wide pathways connect the smaller courtyards. Each wing room has a staircase leading to the roof, allowing the rooftops to connect freely and communicate with one another.

In 2003, Xiaohé Village was designated as one of the first provincial-level historical and cultural villages by the People’s Government of Shanxi Province. In 2007, it was recognized by the Ministry of Construction and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as the only “China Historical and Cultural Village” in Yangquan City. In 2008, it was listed among the first group of provincial-level tourism villages by the Shanxi Provincial Government.

The Former Residence of Shi Pingmei is built along the mountain contours, with buildings scattered freely and organically across the slopes and valleys, blending seamlessly with the ridges, massifs, and overall topography without artificial affectation. Larger residences generally follow the terrain in a terraced arrangement.

The Former Residence of Shi Pingmei features many exquisite architectural carvings. Brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings are all finely crafted, mostly found on lintels, bracket arms, gatepost stones, plinths, screens, window lattices, door panels, and front eaves. These carvings use symbolism, shape, and phonetics to convey messages of prosperity and wealth. The artworks are beautifully composed, rich in meaning, vividly executed, and remarkably skillful, reflecting the homeowners’ heartfelt wishes—especially for their descendants—and showcasing the profound heritage of Chinese folk culture.

The residence is also adorned with numerous plaques and couplets that add a strong cultural ambiance, forming a striking humanistic landscape and serving as the finishing touch that brings the entire site to life.

Shi Pingmei was a famous writer and a pioneer of the women’s movement in China during the 1920s. Her revolutionary spirit, unyielding resistance to feudal ideology, and dedication to love continue to inspire future generations.

Source: Shanxi Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics

Xiaohé Village: Located in Yijing Town, suburban Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, Xiaohé Village sits at the urban-rural fringe, just 4 kilometers from the city center. It is 1 kilometer from Baiyangshu Railway Station to the north and 8 kilometers from the Pingding exit of the Taijiu Expressway to the south, offering very convenient transportation.

Surrounded by mountains and built along the slopes, Xiaohé Village features dramatic elevation changes that create a staggered, well-layered architectural landscape with clear visual hierarchy. The village’s traditional street structure has been preserved, with many ancient buildings still intact, giving it the ambiance of a classic ancient village. With its lush mountains and clear waters, simple and honest folkways, it is known as a land of etiquette. The well-preserved Shi Family Garden can be regarded as... More details about Xiaohé Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units