Cultural legacy of Wanyin building preserved

The former residence of master Chen Jieqi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), known as Wanyin building, is an important piece of history. 

Chen, a scholar and compiler at the Hanlin Academy, dedicated his life to the collection and study of gold and stone artifacts after retiring.

Wanyin building boasts a dynastic architectural charm, with gray bricks, green tiles, and a tranquil allure. Chen's extensive collection included bronze ware, seals, and stone carvings. Renowned for his scholarly contributions, Chen is also hailed as a pioneer in art and collection by modern scholars.

 The gate of the Wanyin building in Weicheng district. [Photo by Zhang Jingwei for chinadaily.com.cn]

Recognizing its significance, the municipal government has been making efforts to preserve the original structure, making it a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. It started a restoration project in February 2023, and a national-level protection initiative is set for the following year.

Today, Wanyin building attracts over 20,000 visitors annually, earning its place as a revered destination for gold and stone seal engravers worldwide. 

"Chen Jieqi is great, Wanyin building is sacred—Weifang is our most coveted destination!" exclaimed Osaki Seiseki, the president of the Japanese Seal Engravers Association.

The legacy of Chen Jieqi lives on in the Wanyi building. (Edited by Hu Haoshu)