The Ancient Architectural Complex of Minghe

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Minghe

Minghe Ancient Town is vibrant and diverse. History and culture have converged here to form a rich and enduring landscape. Dozens of clusters of old houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties stand like monuments, glowing with the wisdom of ancient times. As we walk through the narrow alleyways paved with bluestone slabs, touch the moss-covered walls, and push open the paint-peeling gates to step into these deep and ancient courtyards, we can discover that within this tranquility and silence lies a dazzling radiance of science.

According to historical records, Yu Song, an ancestor of Yu Shinan, once built the world’s first astronomical observatory here — the Celestial Observation Tower. His nephew, Yu Xi, used this tall structure to observe the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, and discovered the “precession of the equinoxes.” This groundbreaking discovery was a major contribution by ancient Chinese scientists to global astronomy and one of the glorious achievements in Chinese history.

Most of the ancient buildings here are three-courtyard compounds. The tall and sturdy horse-head walls seem to whisper tales of past prosperity and glory. Every meticulously crafted wood carving, brick carving, or stone carving showcases the exceptional skill of ancient artisans. The ancient architecture of Minghe was mostly built by the Ye family after they became wealthy through the traditional Chinese medicine business. During the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era, Ye Tianlin became the wealthiest man in Minghe by trading in medicinal herbs, and thus built a grand mansion in his hometown. As time passed and the world changed, only the third, fifth, and sixth branches of the family residences remain, still reflecting their former splendor. In addition, the Salt Warehouse Horse-Riding Tower and Bank Alley are well-preserved. The Salt Warehouse Horse-Riding Tower is a uniquely distinctive example of traditional quadrangle dwellings in southern China. Bank Alley is majestic, especially the former residence of the Shen family, where the central hall still displays the good news of descendants passing the imperial examinations. One can imagine how warmly and grandly the whole family celebrated when each report of success was delivered to the hall. These reports still carry a strong scholarly aura, serving as a testament to the cultural accumulation and continuity of the ancient town.

Guanhaiwei Town: Located in the eastern part of Cixi City, Guanhaiwei Town covers an area of 150.20 square kilometers and has a total population of 200,000, including 50,000 migrants. Guanhaiwei is the eastern wing of Cixi City’s “one body, two wings” urban development strategy, and is also a key town at the municipal and provincial levels in Ningbo, as well as a pilot town for comprehensive reform of small towns in the province.

Guanhaiwei Town has favorable conditions for economic development, and its economy and various social undertakings have achieved significant progress. In 2001, the town’s GDP reached 2.064 billion yuan, with a per capita GDP of 13,760 yuan and fiscal revenue of 114 million yuan. Guanhaiwei... More detailed information about Guanhaiwei Town++