Haining Nanguanxiang Historical and Cultural Block

Haining Nanguanxiang Historical and Cultural Block

The Nanguanxiang Historical and Cultural Block is located in the southeastern part of Haining’s old city area and is the only remaining one of the original seven such blocks. Historically, it was divided between Baosiu Fang (corresponding to the current section from Nanguanxiang to Dayao Bridge) and Jinxiu Fang (roughly the surviving stretch from Nanguanxiang to Tangqiao Lane). The entire street runs from north to south, with street-front residences and shops that largely retain the typical layout and architectural features of Jiangnan water towns during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The shops along the lower bank of the street are built along the Luo Tang River, mostly two-story buildings, many of which have “water pavilions” (stilted lower floors) and their own river docks. The residences on the upper bank typically consist of two or three courtyards, with the deepest ones having up to seven sections from the front hall to the rear courtyard. The halls and upper-floor rooms are spacious and comfortable, constructed with high-quality materials. Doors, windows, and bracket arms are exquisitely carved with intricate designs, often adorned with auspicious and festive patterns. Between each section of the buildings are tall firewalls, and each section is connected via uniquely designed brick-carved gateways. Some larger courtyards also feature auxiliary passageways. This architectural style and method fully reflect the local social and cultural mindset of “accumulating wealth without ostentation,” which is relatively rare in the Jiahu region.

Location

No. 158, Renmin Road, Haining City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province