The residence of the Dafu Mansion

The residence of the Dafu Mansion

The residence of the Dafu Mansion derives its name from the plaque “Dafu Mansion” bestowed by Zuo Zongtang, a prominent military official during the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty and Viceroy of Liangjiang. The mansion was built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. It features a traditional three-sided courtyard layout, consisting of an entrance gate, a central courtyard, a main hall, and two wing rooms, covering an area of approximately 500 square meters.

The Dafu Mansion is situated in a quiet, pebble-paved alley running east-west on Shijing Mountain Road. Both ends of the alley are fitted with entrance gates. When these gates are closed, the inner courtyard becomes highly secure, offering a peaceful retreat amid a bustling environment. The first gate is a double-eaved pavilion-style structure, with door studs inscribed with the characters “爽挹南熏” (meaning “refreshing southern breeze”). The ceremonial gate is adorned with a sculpted couplet reading “秀挹塔峰拥旭日，兰斜晖祥开鹿阜” (“The tower peak cradles the morning sun, while the slanting sunlight blesses the deer-shaped hill with fortune”). Large clay-relief characters reading “瑞兆鹿鸣” (“auspicious signs of deer calls”) are displayed on the horse-head walls on both sides. The courtyard’s floor is paved with rectangular stone slabs arranged in a staggered pattern, smooth, clean, and bright, lending the entire compound a majestic and imposing atmosphere. A propitious dwelling brings honor to its residents. Tong Jianhou, the first county magistrate of Ninghai County during the early Republic of China, was a descendant of this mansion.

Address: Within Qiantong Ancient Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City

Type: Historical architecture

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Admission is included in the Qiantong Ancient Town scenic area ticket.