Hua Tan Zhong Zhuang Li Residence Introduction
The Li Residence in Huatan Zhongzhuang was built by its ancestor Li Shangbo from the third branch of the family. It is a traditional three-section courtyard building. The main structure of the Li Residence mainly retains its original wooden framework and ornate paintings, showcasing its artistic value. The main hall is dedicated to the worship of deities and the ancestral tablets, serving as the place for the Li family to honor their ancestors. The main hall consists of three rooms, and the entrance features a six-panel door design, allowing all panels to be opened during ancestral ceremonies for easy access. The main hall employs a dougong structure, while the hexagonal windows in the side rooms symbolize the warding off of evil and bringing good fortune. The painted beams above the main hall's door frame and hexagonal windows bear motifs such as "Eight Immortals," "Wei River Inviting Heroes," and "Shun Plowing the Hills," although these have suffered significant damage over time. The 921 Earthquake in 1999 caused damage to the Li Residence, collapsing the gatehouse and courtyard walls, and displacing roof tiles. In 2001, it was further battered by a typhoon, leaving only the main hall relatively intact. On April 10, 2002, the main hall of the Li Residence was registered as a historic building, and the side dragon protectors were rebuilt in the original style using reinforced concrete materials. Source: Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau.
