An aerial view of the quaint, ancient residential compound in Linqi village. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

In Linqi village in Yinyang town – administered by the county-level city of Qidong in East China's Jiangsu province – stands an old residential compound, whose distinctive style and presence sets it apart from surrounding farmhouses.

The owner, surnamed Li, said that the residential compound was handed down from his ancestors and was restored a dozen years ago.

It still retains the ancient Chinese architectural style, with pristine white walls and gray tiles and a number of eye-catching features, such as eaves tiles dating from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and stone carvings from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), collected by Li from many sources over the years.

A stone lion stands in front of the old residence. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

The residence consists of three separate structures, which also retain their original functions  – with the center building serving as the living quarters, while facing each other to the left and right of it is the kitchen and tea house, respectively.

Another thing that makes it different is its evergreen yard.

Over the years, Li has painstakingly planted a variety of trees, including more than 100 pine trees around the house and he has been rewarded with views of green all year round.

The scenery has also been renewed from time to time, as Li donated trees to local schools or sent them to his friends. There have also been admirers who have visited the old residence and bought Li's trees.

The flow of trees and people over the years has helped keep the ancient residence alive.

Li, the house owner, patiently prunes back a tree in his yard. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]