Xiao’s Residence in Luzhi Ancient Town

Xiao’s Residence in Luzhi Ancient Town

Xiao’s Residence is located about 30 meters south of Hefeng Bridge (also known as Zhongmei Bridge), at No. 6 Zhongshi Shangtang. Built in the 15th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1889 AD), it covers an area of over 1,000 square meters and is a well-preserved residential building from the Qing era. Originally constructed by a Qing-era martial arts scholar surnamed Yang, the residence was later sold to the prominent local Xiao family, hence its name. Xiao Bingli taught at the “Five High Schools,” contributing to local public welfare. His son, Xiao Naizhen, studied in Germany, and his granddaughter, Xiao Fangfang, is a Hong Kong film actress. The residence now houses the Xiao Fangfang Performing Arts Museum.

Born in 1947, Xiao Fangfang entered the Hong Kong film industry at the age of 6, taking on the responsibility of supporting her family. Her first film role was in Li Hua’s “Little Star’s Tears,” where she played an antagonist — a poor girl. In 1954, at the age of 7, she auditioned for China Film Studio and starred alongside Bruce Lee in “Great Expectations.” From then on, she rose to fame as a child star. In 1970, at the height of her popularity, Xiao Fangfang surprised fans and friends by moving to the United States to study. Her time in America was full of adventure. As she put it: “Before that, I didn’t know the world was so big and myself so small.” She wasn’t even sure she would get into university. With extraordinary perseverance and a competitive spirit, she endured three challenging years abroad and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Upon returning to Hong Kong, Fangfang had gained new perspectives on the world and life, which led to a qualitative leap in her acting career. Awards including Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Horse Awards, Best Actress at the Spanish Film Festival, Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards — one after another, crowns were placed upon her head, until she finally ascended to the title of “Berlin Film Festival Best Actress.”

The residence has five courtyards, four spacious sections, all facing east and west. They are arranged along a central axis and consist of the entrance gate, the tea hall, the wing rooms, and the dining hall. To the south of the residence lies a long, approximately 150-meter-long service lane, commonly known as the Xiao Family Lane. In front of the tea hall and the main hall are two brick-carved gateways, inscribed respectively with “Accumulating Goodness Brings Blessings” and “Planning Wisely for Descendants.” These are calligraphed by You Xianjia, a renowned scholar of the late Qing Dynasty. “Accumulating Goodness Brings Blessings” is a traditional expression of virtue, while “Planning Wisely for Descendants” is derived from the “Book of Songs · Odes of Daya,” conveying the importance of thoughtful planning for future generations and carrying deep moral meaning. The entrance hall features relief-carved lotus pillars, with cloud-and-phoenix patterns on the wooden panels. The tea hall’s beams are adorned with relief and openwork carvings, and the main hall’s beam supports are also decorated with floral motifs. The main hall serves as the principal building — the upper floor is used as living quarters, while the lower floor hosts receptions and banquets. The main hall features double-layered eaves at the front and rear, exemplifying classic Jiangnan-style architecture. The large pillars are inscribed with couplets composed and written by Suzhou calligrapher Fei Zhixiong: “Achieved accolades in film and television, radiant charm displays unique splendor; exhibition features distinctive character, glorious legacy quietly endures.”

The entire residence has five courtyards, with a compact structure and ingenious layout. Each courtyard’s foundation is slightly higher than the last, symbolizing “rising step by step,” which fully reflects the unique artistic style of Suzhou-style architecture — truly a masterpiece of private residences in the Jiangnan region.

Behind the residence, there was once a large stable, which is extremely rare among Jiangnan dwellings. As the original owner was a martial arts scholar, the keeping of horses was essential for practicing horseback riding and archery. The north back gate opens to a large courtyard suitable for horse exercise, formerly known as the Yang Family Garden, which has now been converted into a residential area.