Chen Wanqi Ancient House Introduction
Xizhi Old Street, primarily located along Zhongzheng Road and Qiaotong Road, is winding around the area surrounding the railway station. Since the Qing Dynasty, this has been the bustling heart of Xizhi. Despite the passage of time, stepping into the old street feels like detaching from the disruptions of the outside world, as the weathered red bricks and mossy traces narrate the past to us. Next to the Xizhi Interchange stands an old Baroque-style building, a two-story structure built in the 15th year of the Taisho era (1926), which 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 that time. The construction took several years, using materials sourced from mainland China, designed and built by craftsmen from Quanzhou. This building showcases a blend of typical Baroque and postmodern architectural styles, featuring a gable wall characterized by a peak commonly found in postmodernism. It is currently one of the few well-preserved old houses on Xizhi Old Street. The old house, rich in historical flavor, contrasts with the nearby tall buildings, showcasing the intertwining of different eras.
