Did you know that \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 also called Jinji \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 was built in 1778? It stands in Longgang District of Shenzhen. This old Hakka residence has witnessed centuries of change.
\u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 is a relic of the Qing Dynasty. It offers a glimpse into the past. The residence was built by the Lai family. They prospered in business. They decided to construct this grand home.
In 2016, \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 became a protected site. It is listed as an immovable cultural relic. It is also a demonstration point for Hakka ancient house revitalization.
The area around \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 is undergoing urban renewal. The residence is part of this project. It has a complete revitalization plan. \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 will become a landmark. It will protect and promote Hakka culture in Longgang District.
The Lai clan originated in Henan. They migrated to Guangdong. Eventually, they settled in Longgang. A man named Lai Junqiu moved from ChangLe County to KuiTou Village. He found life difficult. Fortunately, he befriended the Zeng clan. The Zeng clan invited him to settle in Yangmei Ridge.
Lai and Zeng families prospered. They built houses next to each other. One was named Zeng House. The other was \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45. \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 is also known as Sanqing Hall. It is said to have over 300 years of history.
Later, Lai Jinxin established his own business. He built a new residence. This new \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 was larger. Today, people often refer to Jinji \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 when they say \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45.
\u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 faces north. It covers about 6510 square meters. The building itself occupies 4126 square meters. It has 71 rooms. The layout features ancestral halls at the center. Houses and walls surround it.
For over 200 years, \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 has weathered storms. Its former glory is still visible. Every New Year, the Lai clan gathers here. They worship their ancestors. They welcome the new year.
The ancestral hall is called Guangyu Hall. It houses ancestral tablets. The hall is adorned with auspicious patterns. It expresses the clan’s hopes for prosperity. The beams are painted with wishes for many descendants.
Li Xinjiao recalls \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 in the 1930s. She remembers it as grander than it is now. In 1934, she entered \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 as a child bride. The residence had high walls. It also featured five corner towers.
The courtyard included three halls and two horizontal buildings. The corner towers had gun holes. These features added to its defenses.
The ancestral hall was the most beautiful part. It had exquisite decorations. There were wooden carved screens. The doors were adorned with colorful patterns. Today, only fragments of these remain.
Unfortunately, \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 suffered damage. Many beautiful features were destroyed. In 1983, with help from compatriots, the ancestral hall was restored. However, it was difficult to replicate its original grandeur.
In the 1980s, villagers moved out. They built new houses. \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 became a rental property. Migrant workers lived here. The old residence lost its original character.
In 2011, Yangmei Ridge was included in an urban renewal project. With effort, \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 will be preserved. It will undergo restoration and revitalization. It will blend into the new urban area.
The revitalization project aims to preserve memories. It will also create new experiences. Visitors can enjoy local snacks. They can also attend traditional classes. They can also stroll through rice fields.
The goal is to let Hakka traditions continue. The renovated \u6885\u5188\u4e16\u5c45 will blend old and new. It will give us a taste of Hakka heritage. It is a unique blend of history and culture. It is a treasure of Shenzhen.