The Pan Ancestral Home at Nanhua Youlu

南華又廬 : 南华又庐​

Nánhuá yòulú​ :

I am at a loss as to how to translate the name of this place - 'South China and Cottage' doesn't quite ring true! So 'Nanhua Youlu' will have to do for the moment.

The house we visited was built in 1904 for Mr Pān Xiángchū 潘​祥初 who had been successful during his time abroad:

Just inside the entrance hall:​

The house covers an area of more than 10,000 square metres and comprises 118 rooms. Walking around its labyrinthine passages feels like being in a small village, not just one house!

​Each of Pan's sons was able to have separate living quarters for their families, with a character above each 'front door' to denote whose rooms they were:

The Pan Home from the outside, set amidst rice paddy fields.​