The most worthwhile ancient building to visit in Shanxi - Li Family Mansion
Li Family Mansion is a courtyard of the wealthy Li family of Jin merchants, which was established during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. The entire building is a well-style wealth-gathering Siheyuan, which also incorporates Huizhou architectural style. The brick carvings, stone carvings, wood carvings and iron art decorations of the building vividly reflect the folk cultural characteristics of southern Shanxi. Because the representative of the family, Li Ziyong, once studied in the UK and married a British woman, some of the buildings have incorporated European "Gothic" architectural elements, thus reflecting the artistic characteristics of the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. It is a unique flower among the national characteristic dwellings. The Li family is the richest in southern Shanxi, rich but not arrogant, rich but not extravagant, rich but able to help the world. Every time there is a disaster, the Li family can help the victims with all their family wealth, and they are deeply loved by the people because they do good deeds. Generations have successively repaired virtues and done good deeds.
The explanation mainly introduced us to the life experience of Li Ziyong. Li Ziyong, named Daohang, is the core figure of the 15th generation of the Li family with the word "Dao", and one of the main representatives of the Li family. Li Ziyong studied Chinese studies when he was young, and then studied textile in the UK. After returning to China, he took over the family business, founded industries to help the weak and enrich the people, and also founded education and participated in politics. He personally experienced the history of the Li family from prosperity to decline, and also witnessed the development of Chinese national industry and commerce.
I specifically studied that Li Ziyong married five wives in his life,
In 1899, he married Wang, and in 1900, Wang died after giving birth to a daughter. In 1901, he married Dantai, and in 1904, Dantai voluntarily left because she had no offspring. In 1907, Li Ziyong went to study in the UK, and in 1911, he married a British woman, Mai. In 1914, he returned to China with Mai, and in 1918, Mai died. In 1926, Dantai died of illness and he married Hu. In 1946, Hu died of illness, and in 1947, he married Wang. In 1965, Li Ziyong died of illness at the age of 86. This life experience is really rich and full of stories.
What impressed me most about the entire mansion was the courtyard he built for his "foreign daughter-in-law". At that time, everyone else lived in cave dwellings, but he built a new house for Mai and repaired Gothic windows and iron beds. It was true love. There is also a "anti-theft door" with six locks, which is very powerful. The various small mechanisms are really wonderful, and the big characters written on the wall and then erased are also a witness to history.
The attraction is only an hour's drive from home. I didn't know 🤷 before I was so close. I have never heard of such a cow scenic spot. It is really low-key. Whether it is scale or artistic value, it is called a gem of Jinnan ethnic culture. It is very recommended!
Li's compound is not far from Yuncheng, the parking lot is also very large, the whole house is very angry, very Jinshang characteristics, the overall shopping will take about two hours, there are many places to shoot ancient costumes, there is a chance to experience it.
Tickets purchased online are 6 yuan cheaper than the on-site, but there is no ticket to commemorate. The Li's compound is super large, mainly the modern architecture of the Qing Dynasty. It is well preserved and the building is very simple. It is also a national cultural insurance. On the last day of the National Day, there are not many people. You can visit slowly and take pictures.
The old house is well preserved, and the newly built building in front is a bit exaggerated. I took a few pictures of the old house, you can refer to it if you are interested!
A large area of the entrance of the scenic spot is a rear furnishing, with a commemorative explanation, and not practical historical significance. Go to the ancient house at the back to find a huge heaven and earth. The Li family was once the richest home in Jinnan. The business is prosperous and prosperous. The family is good for both men and women. The township is difficult, there are many funds, and they actively invest in the construction of the people. The family attaches great importance to education and values inheritance, which is also an important teacher for future generations. The courtyard is full of courtyards, rich in architectural art, and varied in styles, but without losing harmony.
Overall good, the yard is too big, it takes a day to turn! Adults 45, children 25, tickets are not cheap, tickets for Shanxi attractions are not cheap! Li's compound, there is a back garden behind, there is a playground next door, overall good