The residence, also known as Li Geng Tang, was built by Huizhou merchant Pan Linzhao in the 52nd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1787). Covering an area of 6,700 square meters with a construction area of 7,500 square meters, the residence faces south and is divided into five sections and six courtyards, with a back entrance to Huntang Alley. The scale is grand, the buildings are tall, and the decorations are exquisite, with the current condition still considered intact.
The central route of the buildings is slightly to the west, sequentially consisting of a gate hall, sedan chair hall, main hall, and three-story building hall. The main hall has a regular structure, sturdy materials, and fine craftsmanship, representing a typical work of the Qianlong period.
The entire residence features eight brick-carved gateways, with one each in the central route’s sedan chair hall, main hall, and hall building, which are relatively well-preserved and bear the inscription of the 52nd year of Qianlong’s reign. Each gateway has its own distinct features.
The three brick-carved gateways preserved in the central route of Pan’s residence each have their own characteristics, with rigorous composition, fine craftsmanship, and skillful carving, fully reflecting the superb skills of traditional Suzhou manual brick carving. They can be regarded as top-quality brick carvings of the Qing Dynasty and possess high historical and artistic value. The residence is open all year round from 09:00 to 20:00.
Weidao Guan Qian Pan Residence
The residence, also known as Li Geng Tang, was built by Huizhou merchant Pan Linzhao in the 52nd yea[...]
