The Liu Family Ancestral Residence

　　The Liu Family Ancestral Residence contains typical Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, as well as ancient architectural complexes dating from the late Tang to the Qing dynasty, including wood carvings, stone engravings, inscriptions by famous individuals, calligraphy and paintings, murals, imperial golden plaques, stone carvings, and more.

　　The Liu Family Ancestral Residence is located in Xiwensheng Village, Tuwo Township, at the foot of Mount Li, 25 kilometers southwest of Qinshui County, and is a provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit.

　　In the fourth year of the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty (1406), descendants of Liu Zongyuan, who thrived through farming and scholarship, built a scholar’s mansion with thirteen courtyards in Wensheng Village, 25 kilometers southwest of Qinshui County. The residence covers a total area of 20,000 square meters. Its construction techniques are exceptional, and its architectural style is unique, blending the essence of Ming and Qing architectural art and incorporating both northern and southern design elements. It also ingeniously adapts imperial architectural craftsmanship for civilian use. The site authentically records the historical legacy of generations of scholarly families entering officialdom and profoundly reveals the essence of societal development from the Ming-era “officials engaging in commerce” to the Qing-era “merchants ascending to officialdom.” It is truly a masterpiece of ancient Chinese residential architecture.

　　The Liu Family Ancestral Residence is divided into three parts. The eastern end of the village is the outer estate area, which includes the Liu Family Ancestral Hall, the Yu the Great Temple, the Confucius Temple, the Paper and Silk Tower, the Heavenly Emperor Hall, the Sacred Temple, the Hay Storage, and the left and right passageways. The northern end of the village is the inner estate area, featuring an inner circular street, a small theater stage, the Sima Mansion, the Zhongxian Mansion, the Wude Mansion, the Chengde Mansion, the Yinxu Tower, the tunnel entrance, the Sightseeing Pavilion, the River Viewing Pavilion, the rear garden, and the estate gate tower. The central area connects the inner and outer estates and mainly consists of the Wenchang Pavilion, the drill ground, the outer estate gate tower, and two grand and imposing stone archways that form the inner street.

　　Ticket / Opening Hours: 30 RMB per person

　　 Shanxi, Jincheng City