Ding’s Former Residence is a part of the dwellings left by the ‘Ding Baiwan’ family, who were the wealthiest in Shandong during the Qing Dynasty and belonged to a pawnshop family. It was initially constructed during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng and completed in the Daoguang period, with a peak of over 2700 rooms during its heyday, and has a history of more than two hundred years. The entire complex is divided into several large courtyards, each comprising several quadrangles, which are appropriately spaced and exude a simple yet grand charm.
The residence is split into two sections, east and west, by an old street: the eastern section includes the Aifu Hall and Lusu Hall, facing west and east respectively, while the western section features the Chongjian Hall and Baosu Hall, facing south and north respectively. The buildings are topped with green tiles, and the interiors are adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. The stone, brick, and wood carvings under the corridors and within the courtyards are exquisite and intricate, reflecting the essence of Qing Dynasty architectural art, embodying the charm of both the capital’s mansions and the local Jiaodong residential style, and rivaling the royal gardens in the capital at the time. Opening hours are as follows: Closed all day on Mondays; Open from 08:30 to 11:50 from Tuesdays to Sundays; Open from 14:00 to 17:30 all year round; Open from 13:30 to 17:00 all year round. Please note that the specific business status is subject to the daily opening conditions.
