Xitang Architectural Complex

Xitang Architectural Complex

The Xitang Architectural Complex is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Xitang Architectural Complex includes eight cultural heritage sites: Wang Residence, Wolong Bridge, Wufu Bridge, Church, Huguo SuiLiang King Temple, Zhong Jiefu Pharmacy, Ni Residence, and Yuan Residence. It is located in the Xijie, Chaonandai, and Tangdongjie communities of Xitang Town.

Wang Residence is located at Lane 65, Lower Xijie, Xijie Community, Xitang Town. During the Shunzhi and Kangxi periods of the Qing Dynasty, descendants of the Wang Yuan lineage migrated to Xitang and built this residence. Covering an area of 3,850 square meters, the residence faces south and is divided into central, eastern, and western sections. The eastern section has five courtyards (originally six, only five remain, with the middle one destroyed); the central section has two courtyards in the front eastern part and three in the western part, with a total of five courtyards in the rear; the western section has seven courtyards. Currently, the first three courtyards of the western section are open to the public, while the last four are private residences. The third courtyard serves as the main hall, where a plaque inscribed with “Zhong Fu Tang” (House of Cultivated Blessings) hangs in the center. It was written by Chen Bangyan, a Hanlin academician during the Kangxi era from Haining, advising future generations to accumulate virtue through good deeds, which will bless their descendants. To the west of the residence lies a “Stone-skin Alley” paved with 168 flagstones, only about 1 meter wide.

Wolong Bridge is located at No. 144, Beizha Street, Chaonandai Community, Xitang Town, east side. It was repaired in the 55th year of the Kangxi reign (1716) during the Qing Dynasty through fundraising by Monk Guangyuan. The bridge covers an area of 153 square meters and is a single-arch stone bridge, stretching from east to west across the Beizha Market River. It is 30 meters long and 4.4 meters wide. The arch is constructed with vertically bonded and segmented stonework, spanning 8.2 meters with a rise of 5 meters. The bridge deck is flanked by solid balustrades and four pairs of stone pillars. The keystone at the top features carved patterns such as auspicious clouds, ruyi motifs, “peace year after year,” and “three promotions in a lifetime.” The ramparts on both ends are slightly trumpet-shaped: the eastern side has 33 steps, the western side 31 steps, and a flat platform is set at the western rampart descent, leading to 8 more steps heading south. Carvings can be found on the bridge steps—when viewed from above, they resemble two dragons lying atop the steps, heads turned toward the keystone. An inscription on the bridge reads “Reconstructed Wolong Bridge.”

Wufu Bridge is located south of Nos. 11 and 12, Shaogangjiang, Tangdongjie Community, Xitang Town. Originally built before the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, it was renovated in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (1901) during the Qing Dynasty. The bridge covers an area of 49 square meters and is a single-span stone slab flat bridge, stretching from north to south across Shaogangjiang. It is 17.3 meters long, 2.2 meters wide on the deck, and 2.8 meters wide at the approaches. The bridge deck consists of four long stone slabs laid flat, with railings and four pairs of pillars whose capitals are square-shaped. The foundation is built with flagstones. The southern side has 12 steps, the northern side 12 steps plus a platform, and there are 4 steps leading west. Inscriptions on the bridge include “Reconstructed Wufu Bridge” and “Guangxu Year Xin Chou (1901).”

The Church is located at No. 29, North Street, Shaogangjiang, Tangdongjie Community, Xitang Town. Established in the 3rd year of the Wanli reign (1575) during the Ming Dynasty, it was originally dedicated to the imperial inspector Pang Shangpeng and called the Pang Mansion Shrine. It was renovated twice—in the 13th year (1674) and the 50th year (1711) of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty—and was then converted to enshrine the image of Guan Yu, commonly known as the “Church.” The site covers 127 square meters, facing south, and currently retains the mountain gate and main hall, both with flush gable roofs. The mountain gate has three bays, spanning 7.4 meters wide and 3.6 meters deep, with the central bay featuring a corridor-style beam frame. The main hall also has three bays, 7.4 meters wide and 9.9 meters deep, with the central bay using a five-beam frame, followed by a double-step inner corridor with four columns.

Huguo SuiLiang King Temple is located at No. 139, Tawan Street, Chaonandai Community, Xitang Town. Originally built in the late Ming Dynasty, its initial site was at the northern end of Xiaoqiao Bridge on Qitian Dam in Xizha. Due to flourishing worship, it was rebuilt here in the 12th year of the Republic of China (1923). The temple covers 1,577 square meters, faces south, and has two courtyards. The first courtyard is the mountain gate with three bays. The second is the main hall with five bays, where the central bay features a five-beam frame, followed by a double-step inner corridor and outer corridor with five columns. On the east side of the courtyard is a monk’s quarters, along with newly built auxiliary structures.

Zhong Jiefu Pharmacy is located at No. 11, Tangdongjie, Tangdongjie Community, Xitang Town. It was established in the 11th year of the Guangxu reign (1885) by local resident Zhong Daosun. Zhong had studied under the renowned physician Ma Peilan from Gusu and specialized in surgery while also excelling in internal medicine. For over 100 years, the pharmacy has earned trust and maintained enduring popularity. In addition to crafting refined traditional Chinese patent medicines, Zhong Jiefu Pharmacy is also famous for producing Babing Gao (Eight-Treasure Cake), blending medicinal and dietary properties into the confection. The pharmacy occupies 1,123 square meters, faces west, and has five courtyards. The first and second courtyards have been modified and now serve as the main shop hall. The third courtyard is a two-story building with one bay plus a corridor, preserving the authentic layout from the late Qing Dynasty. The fourth courtyard is also a two-story structure with two bays plus a stair corridor, built during the Republican era. The fifth courtyard, constructed in the later Republican period, features Western-style elements.

Ni Residence is located at Nos. 33 and 35, Shaogangjiang, Tangdongjie Community, Xitang Town. Built during the Republican era, it covers 615 square meters, faces north, and has a flush gable roof with five bays. Originally consisting of five courtyards, only three remain. The first courtyard is a single-story building with a through-tenon beam frame in the central bay. The second and third courtyards are two-story structures. The central bay of the second courtyard uses a five-beam frame with double-step beams in front and back, supported by four columns. There is an ornamental gate and courtyard between the first and second courtyards.

Yuan Residence is located at No. 2, Jijialong, Xijie Community, Xitang Town. Built during the Republican era, it covers 411 square meters, faces south, and is enclosed by a wall gate, east and west wing rooms, and the main house, all two stories high. The main house has five bays, with the central bay on the second floor featuring a seven-beam frame with a single-step front corridor. The southern side has a three-bay balcony, each with three arched doors, while the east and west wing rooms each have one arched door. The original name of the hall, “Weili Tang,” was calligraphed by Shen Weixian.

In January 2011, it was announced as part of the sixth batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Xitang Town: Xitang, anciently known as Xietang, was established as a market town during the Ming Dynasty, bordering Yong’an and Qianshan townships. Initially named Xietang, it later became known as Xitang. Legend says that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu Zixu stationed troops here and dug the Wu Family Pond to improve water management, diverting water from Xushan Mountain directly into the region—hence it is also called Xutang. Xitang Town is located in the northern part of Jiashan County, at the junction of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, enjoying a superior geographical position and known as the “Corner of Wu and Yue.” It is 90 km east of Shanghai, 110 km west of Hangzhou, 85 km north of Suzhou, and 9 km south of Jiashan County seat. The town center lies at 120°53′ east longitude and 30°56′ north latitude. With access to both land and water transport... More details about Xitang Town++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units