The Shi Family Courtyard Flower Hall

The Shi Family Courtyard Flower Hall

The Shi Family Courtyard Flower Hall is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Zhejiang Province.

Yiwu and Dongyang have long been renowned for their woodcarving craftsmanship, which flourished during the Song Dynasty and reached its zenith in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Dongyang woodcarvings are known for their rich compositions and distinct layering, with both relief and deep-carving techniques executed to exquisite perfection.

The Shi Family Courtyard Flower Hall features a one-hall-three-chambers structure and took three years to complete. It is almost a culmination of the art of Dongyang woodcarving.

The owner of the Flower Hall, Ye Zhangchao, lost his father in childhood. In his youth, he visited his uncle’s home in Huaigu, where his uncle, a wealthy man who owned a grand mansion, often mocked him, predicting that the young man would never amount to anything or be able to build an impressive house. Determined to prove him wrong, Ye Zhangchao worked hard, ran a ham business in Shanghai and other places, and eventually became the wealthiest man in Shijiazhuang. In 1909, he began realizing his childhood dream of constructing an extraordinary luxurious residence, which was completed in 1912.

It is also said that Ye Zhangchao managed to build this exquisitely carved residence without spending “a single penny” on labor. At the time, due to war, the construction industry was in decline, and many craftsmen could not find work elsewhere. They gathered in Dongyang with no jobs to do, and were further impacted by consecutive years of drought, leaving villagers struggling to survive. Meanwhile, the Ye family had ample grain supplies. Seizing the moment, Ye Zhangchao instructed his steward to begin construction. All artisans involved in the building were allowed to bring their families to eat at the estate — meals were provided free of charge, and no wages were paid. The only requirement was high-quality work, not speed. As a result, led by master carver Lu Lianshui, nicknamed the “Flower Carving Prodigy,” the craftsmen worked diligently and meticulously for over three years. They earned no wages but were able to support their families while creating this “museum of carving art,” which has since enjoyed lasting fame.

On October 7, 2019, the Shi Family Courtyard Flower Hall was included in the eighth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Sites

· Eighth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level