Liu’s Ladder House, also known as Chongde Hall, commonly referred to as the Red House, is the residence of Liu Anxun, the third son of Liu Peng, the richest among the ‘Four Elephants’ of Nanxun. This is another example of a building that blends Chinese and Western architectural styles in Nanxun, which was keen on adopting Western culture at the time. The entire structure is divided into three parts: south, middle, and north. The buildings in the north and south sections not only incorporate Roman-style architecture but also add a splendid Rococo-style arch to the simple and unadorned Hui-style gable walls and Shikumen.
Liu’s Ladder House is grand and imposing, with an overwhelming presence, much like other large residences in Nanxun. This Red House also displays countless vivid brick, wood, and stone carvings. The main hall is a traditional Chinese-style hall, grand yet ostentatious, with every detail meticulously carved, reflecting the status of the Liu family. The second hall hangs a plaque reading ‘Bao Que He’, signifying the owner’s commitment to honesty and loyalty. The rear part of the mansion used to be a tennis court, with a corner of it set aside as a small, European-style dairy farm. Today, this area is a backyard garden with rockeries, ponds, corridors, and a variety of flowers and trees. If you feel a bit tired from wandering around the Red House, you might want to take a stroll to the backyard garden, lean on the美人靠 (a type of railing), and quietly feel the profound and ancient historical atmosphere of this ancient residence. It is open throughout the year from 08:00 to 16:30.Liu’s Ladder House
Liu’s Ladder House, also known as Chongde Hall, commonly referred to as the Red House, is the [...]
