Former Residence of the Wu Family in Fotang

Former Residence of the Wu Family in Fotang

The Former Residence of the Wu Family in Fotang is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Former Residence of the Wu Family in Fotang, also known as "Wu Qiji," is located at No. 35 Dawentou, Fotang Town, Yiwu City, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province. It was built in 1935 by Wu Maqi, a wealthy merchant from Fotang, and is the only existing three-and-a-half-story brick-and-wood structure in Yiwu. In 2011, it was listed as a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The building faces southwest and is situated to the northeast. It consists of a front garden, two rear sections with three bays each, and two side wings with six rooms each, totaling an 18-room brick-and-wood residential complex. It covers a total area of 1,325 square meters, with the building itself occupying approximately 763 square meters.

The residence has seven gates in total, including the main gate, dragon-tiger gate, side gates, and back gate, along with additional doors for daily access. The wooden components inside feature exquisitely carved designs depicting auspicious birds and beasts, legendary stories, and other themes, making them unique and remarkably intricate. The "cracked ice" window lattice patterns hold hidden surprises. The courtyard, paved with bluestone slabs, features two large Taiping water basins, adding to its classic charm.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units