【Introduction】
Li Tengfang, born in 1814 (the 19th year of Emperor Jiaqing), was named Youqing, whose ancestor came from Fujian, China. Tengfang is his official title used in the imperial court. During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, his ancestor arrived in the Yuemei area of Daxi, and gradually became wealthy by engaging in business activities. In 1856 (the 4th year of Emperor Tongzhi), when Li Tengfang was 43 years old, he became a xiucai by passing the entry-level licentiate of the imperial examination. In 1859, he became a gongsheng, and was accepted into the Imperial Academy and became eligible to take the provincial exam. In 1865, he passed the provincial exam and was conferred a degree Juren, a qualified graduate. The flagpole in the front yard was erected to celebrate his success in passing the exam.
The residential building was built in 1860, after he became a gongsheng, to show his achievements in the imperial exam. The mansion is a compound of two blocks of houses with four angled wings and two courtyards. A pond for the purpose of feng shui is located in the front yard, and in each of the four corners of the yard stands a weapon storage room called “chong kui”. The gabled roof with its ridges curved like a swallowtail is decorated with elaborate patterns for auspicious blessing, which were made by a technique called Jiannian (Fragmented Ceramic Art ).
There are plentiful fine wood works found in the house, which are exquisitely carved and sculpted by highly skilled artisans and craftsmen. The lines employed with those carved works of birds and flowers are soft and delicate, mixed with vigor and firmness. Li Tengfang was also skilled at painting and calligraphy; many paintings, calligraphy art pieces, couplets, and inscribed boards, hung or placed on the walls create a scholarly atmosphere in the house.