The former residence has seven entrances in depth. The central axis is perpendicular to the street and alley. At a glance, it presents a simple and elegant scenic line of late Qing Dynasty residential buildings. This house was originally a large mansion of a famous Huang family during the Guangxu period. During the Xuantong period, it was purchased by Cheng Xianjia as a private residence. In the first entrance was the foyer. On both sides were the parking place for large sedans and the resting place for sedan bearers. The second entrance is the hall. Under the window lattice is engraved with the ‘Twenty-four Filial Piety Pictures’, which can still be vaguely recognized. There is a small study on the west side, which is also used for receiving guests. The third entrance is the main room where Cheng Xianjia lived. Now it is inhabited by the elderly couple Cheng Demo, his youngest son, and their descendants. The fourth entrance is the library, that is, his beloved study ‘Qianyi Studio’ in his life. It contains the meaning of ‘A wise man who thinks a thousand times will surely make a mistake once; a fool who thinks a thousand times will surely gain something once’. The fifth entrance is also a building and is the housing for the Cheng family. The sixth entrance is the kitchen. There is a well dug in the courtyard, which is still there. The seventh entrance is the place where servants live. Nowadays, although the seven entrances are already full of residents in the south of the city, judging from the framework structure of the house, the remaining and scattered stone drums and flagstones in the courtyard, and the strong local dialect among the residents, it can still reflect a scene of late Qing Dynasty residential buildings in the ancient city of Jinling. People from afar are placed in it, and it appears even more ancient and interesting. Open all year round and open all day.
Former Residence of Cheng Xianjia
The former residence has seven entrances in depth. The central axis is perpendicular to the street a[...]
