Former Residence of Lei Lütai, Historical residence in Pingyao, China.
The former residence of Lei Lütai is a traditional Chinese dwelling in Pingyao with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The building combines brick, stone, and wood in typical Qing-era architecture, featuring a prominent central structure called Jinyuan Tower.
Lei Lütai founded Rishengchang, China's first banking house, and built this residence during the Qing Dynasty. His role as a financial innovator shaped not only his home but also the economic development of the region.
The house shows how wealthy Shanxi merchants lived and worked, with traditional rooms that reflect their daily life and family bonds. The arrangement of spaces and crafted details reveal the habits and values of these traders.
The house is located near the South Gate and is easy to reach while exploring the old city. Visitors should bring warm clothing since the stone architecture affects temperature, and the rooms can feel cool in winter.
This house is the only one among more than 400 historical houses in Pingyao's old city that visitors can actually enter and explore. This exclusivity makes it a rare window into the private world of wealthy merchants.
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