Shunxi Ancient Architectural Complex

Shunxi Ancient Architectural Complex

The Shunxi Ancient Architectural Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Shunxi Ancient Architectural Complex is located in Pingyang County, Zhejiang Province.

The Shunxi Ancient Architectural Complex is a large-scale, traditional courtyard-style residential building complex. The Chen Tiaoyan Mansion faces southeast and is situated northwest, comprising a main courtyard and east and west side courtyards. The main courtyard is arranged along a central axis, sequentially featuring a gatehouse, entrance hall, main hall, and rear hall (now collapsed), with wing rooms on both sides. The complex covers a total area of approximately 6,050 square meters, with a built-up area of about 2,210 square meters. The entrance hall features a five-rafter, three-pillar beam frame with front and rear central posts. The main hall has an eleven-rafter, six-pillar beam structure, using a five-rafter lifted-beam style with two double-step bays at the front and back. Some structural elements use upward-angling brackets, and the wood carvings are exquisitely crafted. The Chen Youxiang Mansion faces south and is situated north, with a layout that is roughly square. It has a total width of 37.97 meters and a depth of 41.97 meters, with a total built-up area of approximately 1,700 square meters. Its architectural layout and beam structure are similar to those of the Chen Tiaoyan Mansion, but with more refined materials and even more elaborate carvings. The front hall features a ceiling caisson and bracket sets, showcasing the grandeur of traditional architecture. The building also reflects architectural styles and elements from the Tang and Song dynasties.

The Chen Tiaoyan and Chen Youxiang Mansions are large in scale and feature distinctive layouts. Their key architectural characteristics include spacious rooms, multi-courtyard configurations, and the use of large central courtyards. They preserve some early architectural traditions, reflecting a “time-lag” phenomenon in social culture within a relatively isolated small-scale farming economy. The wooden and stone carvings are quite exquisite, and the architectural features display distinct regional characteristics. These mansions are important representatives of Wenzhou’s residential architecture.

In 2006, the Shunxi Ancient Architectural Complex was included in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council as a Qing Dynasty architectural site.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units