Chen Wanqi Old House Introduction
Xizhi Old Street, centered around Zhongzheng Road and Jiatong Road, is a winding area surrounding the train station that has been the busiest district in Xizhi since the Qing Dynasty. Despite the changes over time, stepping into the old street feels like detaching from the chaos of the outside world, with the mottled red bricks and traces of moss telling stories of the past. Located next to the Xizhi Interchange, there stands an old Baroque-style building. This two-story structure, built in the 15th year of the Taisho era (1926), has a history of over 90 years. The builder, Chen Wanqi, started his career in traditional Chinese medicine and was one of the wealthiest merchants in Xizhi at the time. The construction took many years to complete, with materials sourced from Mainland China and designed and built by a master from Quanzhou. It is a typical example of Baroque mixed with postmodern architecture, featuring a gable wall at the front known as the "mountain wall," a common characteristic of postmodernism. Currently, it is one of the few well-preserved ancient buildings on Xizhi Old Street. The ancient charm of the old house contrasts with the nearby high-rise buildings, showcasing a blend of different eras.
