European-style ancient architecture: the former residence of Guo Songnian

　　 A native of Yagang Village, Tongling Township, he was a Biyong scholar in the Jiyou examination (1909). He studied at the Law and Politics School in the Kojimachi district of Japan. He once served as a provisional prefect of Zhili in Yunnan, secretary to the commander-in-chief of Guangxi, secretary of the Presidential Office, major general and chief of staff at the Guangdong Commander-in-Chief’s Office, and a senator in the National Assembly of the Republic of China.

　　 The Guo residence was built in the early years of the Republic of China, covering a land area of 1,913 square meters with a building area of 2,741 square meters. The main house has three floors, while auxiliary buildings have two floors, and the structure is a combination of brick and stone. The layout follows the traditional Chinese courtyard style. Influenced by Western architectural art, the design is both delicate and elegant, refined yet magnificent. The main facade features three brick arches at the entrance, and the second and third floors also have three recessed corridors with brick arches, complemented by exquisite blue ceramic railings. The walls are coated with fine gypsum, adorned with artistic elements such as arch moldings and floral patterns. The flooring is made of square red bricks, with wooden floors, doors, and double-leaf windows. Traditional Chinese art, including colorful paintings and carvings depicting the Eight Immortals, decorates the tops of the doors and windows—characters rendered so vividly they remain as fresh as when first painted, even after decades. The front of the house includes a courtyard planted with flowers, plants, and trees. In front of the courtyard lies a crescent-shaped pond that complements the entire building, adding unique charm. Most of the structure remains well-preserved today.