The Gate Tower of the Old Mei Family Residence

The Gate Tower of the Old Mei Family Residence

The Gate Tower of the Old Mei Family Residence (No. 21 Dazhong Street, Hexi Town · Qing Dynasty) The Old Mei Family Residence covers a construction area of 380 square meters, faces south, and features a traditional three-courtyard layout. The overall structure, from south to north, consists of a gate tower, a central courtyard, side rooms, and the main house. The courtyard is paved with cobblestones in decorative patterns. The main house has five bays in width and six bays in depth, with two side wings on the east and west at the front eaves, each spanning two bays in width and one bay in depth. The gate tower is a brick-carved structure with three bays, four pillars, and three stories. Its lintel bears the inscription “Xuancheng Yanqing” along with exquisitely carved images of auspicious beasts and plants. The structure is relatively well-preserved and holds certain cultural heritage value for the study of Qing Dynasty brick-carved gate towers in Jingning.