This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The Former Residence of Xu Teli, a cultural relic protection unit of Hunan Province, is located in Wumei Township, Changsha County, 43 kilometers east of Changsha City. It is a brick-and-wood courtyard-style dwelling. The date of its original construction is yet to be verified. It was renovated in 1914, and afterward expanded twice and repaired many times. It covers an area of about 1,700 square meters. Facing south with its back to the north, along the central axis are in sequence the main gate, passage hall, courtyard, and main rooms, with side rooms and miscellaneous rooms on the left and right. In 1916, after Xu Teli opened the Wumei Senior Primary School here, except for the nine rooms on the east side of the main rooms and the east wing, the rest of the houses were placed under school management. The former residence was originally entered through a side door outside the east wing; in the courtyard there was a well, and under the eaves a corridor was formed. It has a small blue-tile roof and square lattice windows opening inward. It faces fields in front and backs onto a small hill, surrounded by pines, cypresses, camphor trees, and green bamboo, very serene and elegant. On the west side, the newly built Wumei Middle School buildings and playground form an integrated whole with it.
In 1980, the former residence was renovated anew, and the living quarters of Xu Teli and his wife, Xu Qian, as well as teachers Chen Chang, Mao Daxun, and others were restored and furnished.
