The Ancient Architectural Complex of Yaduan Village

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Yaduan Village

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Yaduan Village is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Yaduan Village is located in Yaduan Village, Chian Town, Yiwu. It was built over a period of a hundred years, from the early years of the Qianlong reign to the Jiaqing and Daoguang periods of the Qing Dynasty, by three generations of the Chen family—Chen Qiwen and Chen Songyao. The entire complex includes multiple halls and residential courtyards such as the ancestral hall of the Chen clan (Xulun Hall), Rong’an Hall, the north and south wing rooms of Rong’an Hall (Lancui Hall, Zhuobao Hall, Rongchun Hall, Mingxing Hall), Yi’an Hall, Ju’an Hall, Dexing Hall, Dunli Hall, and Dunxing Hall. Collectively known as the “Seven Halls and Eight Mansions,” it covers a total area of 5,082 square meters, with a built-up area of approximately 8,527 square meters. Its overall layout remains largely intact.

The entire complex is centered around Rong’an Hall and is laid out from west to east. Rong’an Hall is positioned at the front, facing a square. Constructed with premium materials, it consists of a gate hall, main hall, hall building, left and right wing rooms, and north and south side chambers, forming five routes and six courtyards totaling 59 rooms, covering an area of 2,000 square meters. Yi’an Hall is located behind Rong’an Hall and is a 18-room quadrangle compound covering 717 square meters. Dunli Hall is situated to the upper left of Yi’an Hall, while Ju’an Hall is on the right, each being a 16-room quadrangle and a 13-room three-sided courtyard respectively. Xulun Hall, also known as the Ancestral Hall of the Chen Clan, is the venue where the Chen family holds major sacrificial ceremonies, covering an area of 799 square meters.

This architectural complex is notable for its grand scale, exquisite carvings, and well-preserved condition. It holds significant historical, scientific, and artistic value, authentically reflecting the traditional practice of clan-based communal living under the ancient patriarchal system. It serves as a typical representation for studying the society, politics, economy, and folk culture of the Jiangnan region during the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty.

In recent years, based on the restoration and preservation of the ancient buildings, Yaduan Village has actively engaged in transforming its hollowed-out village, becoming a highlight along the Xihai Beautiful Countryside Premium Route in Chian.

On October 7, 2019, the Ancient Architectural Complex of Yaduan Village was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Yaduan Village: Yaduan Village…… More details about Yaduan Village++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units