Tseng Kuo-fan's Former Residence

Tseng Kuo-fan's former residence is a large compound in Heye with multiple main buildings such as Fuhou, Baiyu, and Jinliang arranged around traditional courtyards. The structure follows Hunanese architectural principles with timber frames, ornate woodcarvings, and covered galleries connecting the different sections.

The house was built in 1865 and served as the residence of Tseng Kuo-fan, a prominent military leader and statesman during the Qing Dynasty. He played a central role in suppressing the Taiping Rebellion, one of the major conflicts of the 19th century.

The wooden structures and intricate carvings show how wealthy Qing Dynasty officials designed their homes and what they valued in daily life. The arrangement of rooms around courtyards reflects traditional beliefs that balanced privacy with family togetherness.

A visit works best when you take time to walk through the different halls and courtyards to understand the spatial layout fully. Guided tours are available in multiple languages, and displays explain Chinese architecture and Qing Dynasty history.

The house preserves original furnishings and decorative elements from the 19th century, offering rare insights into the daily life of high-ranking officials. These preserved details allow visitors to see the personal spaces and objects that a family of that era actually used.