The Century-Old Ancient Residence of Lirenwei

The Century-Old Ancient Residence of Lirenwei

A bird’s-eye view of the ancient Lirenwei dwellings reveals the full extent of their “nine enclosing five” architectural style. Overall, this century-old residence remains remarkably well-preserved. Most of its elements, from the gray tiles on the roof and the beams to the stone windows and slabs of the structure, are intact.

The stone slabs at the thresholds of Lirenwei are massive—some as long as six or seven meters—laid out at the main entrance, creating an impressive sight. It is said that these huge stone slabs were transported here by boat from Fujian.　

Safety was a top priority for the ancestors who built this place. The large beams and dense rafters on the roof were designed to prevent bandits from breaking in by prying up the roof tiles. Even the design of the door locks showcases remarkable ingenuity.

At the time, due to rules within the compound that prohibited women from using the main gates and passageways, every room in this ancient house was equipped with its own door to facilitate their movement. Additionally, the extended eaves along the corridors ensured that residents were protected from both rain and scorching sun, no matter the weather.

Over a decade ago, the August First Film Studio used this site as a primary filming base for revolutionary films such as *The Spark* and *The Fury of Peng Pai*.　

Lirenwei now serves as the ancestral hall for the Chen clan in Haifeng County. Initially home to just over twenty people, the population grew to more than four hundred, but today most have moved away, leaving only a few households remaining.