The Liu Family Compound (刘氏梯号), also known as Chongde Hall (崇德堂) and colloquially referred to as the “Red House,” is one of the most famous buildings in the ancient town of Nanxun. It represents a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The owner, Liu Ansheng (1876-1950), who also went by the name Tiqing, was the third son of the wealthy merchant Liu Yong. Liu Ansheng, having experienced the architectural elegance and trends of Southeast Asia during his business ventures there, decided to incorporate both Eastern and Western elements into his home.
The architectural style of the Liu Family Compound is notably unique, consisting of three sections: south, central, and north. The central part of the building is characterized by traditional Confucian elements, featuring halls, rooms, and floors that embody traditional Chinese cultural values. The southern and northern sections of the building integrate Western Romanesque architectural elements, with the northern section being particularly grand. The facade of the northern European-style building is especially impressive, marked by intricate brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings.
The main hall is a traditional Chinese hall, with a plaque inscribed “崇德堂 (Chongde Hall)” hanging prominently. The hall is adorned with couplets on the pillars and painted screens. The central pillar is so thick that it requires two people to encircle it. The main beam is decorated with a gilded pattern symbolizing advancement through three levels, while other elements like the beam stubs, carved windows, long windows extending to the ground, and even the floor windows are adorned with exquisite and auspicious patterns, showcasing the Liu family’s traditional values and refined taste.
Originally, a grassy area behind the mansion was used as a tennis court, and there was a corner where dairy cows were kept. A large self-ringing clock once stood in the bell tower by the ponds on the east and west sides, its sound resonating far and wide. Today, this area has been transformed into a nearly 300-square-meter garden. The garden features an array of trees and flowers, rock formations, and white bark pines. It also boasts a crescent-shaped pond filled with water and lotuses, surrounded by pavilions, winding corridors, and other small architectural elements. Benches, designed in a traditional style known as “beauty rests,” are available for visitors to sit and enjoy the serene environment.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0572-3016999 |
Location and Transportation
The Liu Family Compound is located at 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, within the Nanxun Ancient Town Scenic Area. To get there, you can take bus 170, get off at Guguanwei Stop (古管委站), and walk about 250 meters to the east.
