Huatan Zhongzhuang Li Residence Introduction
The Li residence in Huatan Zhongzhuang was built by the ancestor Li Shangbo from the Sanfang family. It is a traditional siheyuan (四合院) structure. The main wooden framework and painted decorations of the Li residence largely retain their original appearance, showcasing artistic value. The main hall is dedicated to deities and ancestral tablets, serving as a place for the Li family to worship their ancestors. The main hall consists of three rooms, and the main entrance has six doors that can all be opened during ancestor worship for convenience. The main hall features a dougong (斗拱) bracket system, while the hexagonal-shaped windows on both sides symbolize the warding off of evil and the attraction of good fortune. The decorative beams above the main hall's door and the hexagonal windows depict paintings such as "Eight Immortals" and "Weishui’s Talents," but due to age, they are currently severely damaged. The 921 earthquake in 1999 caused damage to the Li residence, with the gate tower and courtyard walls completely collapsing and the roof tiles displacing and breaking. In 2001, the building suffered further damage from a typhoon, leaving only the main hall relatively intact. On April 10, 2002, the main hall of the Li residence was registered as a historical building, and the protective dragons on both sides were rebuilt in reinforced concrete to resemble the original design. Source: Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau.
