Li Qingquan's Sincere Devotion.

Located at No. 7 Qishan Road, to reach Ronggu Valley, one must traverse a path paved with granite and cobblestones. As you step on the colorful cobblestone pattern that forms '1926', Ronggu Valley appears before you. It is a European-style garden with a brick-red, carved iron gate boldly inscribed with the words 'Ronggu Valley'. It is the famous overseas Chinese leader Li Qingquan's villa. Li Qingquan owned several villas in Xiamen, and Ronggu Valley is one of the most beautiful and luxurious. The name 'Ronggu Valley' comes from the phrase 'magnanimity brings greatness'. It is indeed grand: three stories high, covering an area of 3,600 square meters, with a building area of 1,500 square meters, backed by Shengqi Mountain, facing the sea. Its main building is modeled after a foreign palace, with four Corinthian-like colossal columns at the porch that reach the second floor, presenting a majestic sight at first glance. However, once you step into the courtyard of Ronggu Valley, you'll discover that it is arranged in the style of a traditional Chinese garden from the Jiangnan region: with a flower pond, fountain, rockery, and even a pavilion atop the artificial hill. Li Qingquan, who was in the timber business and had a passion for gardens and plants, ensured that the garden in Ronggu Valley spanned over 2,000 square meters. Ancient banyan trees tower within, and the dance of their shadows creates an illusion of standing in a valley. Li Qingquan also integrated Western garden elements into the Chinese garden as if they were plugins. Upon entering the main gate, the first things that catch the eye are two tall magnolia trees and five stately, verdant Araucaria trees. They are as old as the three-story villa and are also iconic landscapes of Gulangyu.