The Sima Residence of the Liu Family in Xiwenxing Village, Qingshui, Shanxi

The Sima Residence was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and renovated in the Qing Dynasty. It consists of one main entrance and two courtyards. Liu Lin, the grandson of Liu Chunfang, was the top scholar in the imperial examination and served as the county Sima (military officer). By imperial decree, he renovated the gatehouse, and both his grandfather and father were posthumously honored by the court as Zhongxian Dafu (High-ranking Officials). The gate features nine layers of dougong brackets, hence it is called a "gate niche," symbolizing the family's status. This is considered a unique feature among traditional Chinese architectural gates. Below are twelve cultural symbols including "matching families," "Grand Tutor (Lion) and Junior Protector," "Divine (Rope) Lion guarding the house," and "Prosperity of the household." Inside the courtyard, the residence preserves the most complete and exquisite carved screen wall in a folk house, showcasing distinctive wood carvings that depict the Liu family’s journey from "fishing, woodcutting, farming, and studying" to "ups and downs in officialdom," as well as various carved window patterns.