Anqing Tanhua Mansion

Anqing Tanhua Mansion

Tanhua Mansion is a cultural relic protection unit of Anqing City.

Tanhua Mansion is situated on Mosque Street in the southern part of Anqing city. To the west lies a mosque, to the east are the Anqing Piston Ring Factory and local residential houses, to the north is Dengyun Slope, and to the south faces the great river. The residence earned its name because in the fifth year of the Yongzheng reign (1727), Ma Dayong, the eighth-generation descendant of the Anqing-based Ma family, achieved the prestigious rank of Wu Tanhua, and Emperor Yongzheng bestowed a golden plaque inscribed with “Tanhua Jidi,” which was hung in the mansion—hence the name. It is one of the official and aristocratic residences of the Hui people in Anqing.

Tanhua Mansion was first built in the early Ming Dynasty. It was originally constructed when the founding ancestor of the Anqing Ma family was appointed as the left commander of the Anqing Guard, serving as the head of the Left Battalion. Initially, it served as the Ma family’s private residence. Ma Yiruo, a descendant of Mahazhi, took over his father Ma Lin’s position as the left commander of the Anqing Guard after coming of age. Later, Ma Yiruo was promoted multiple times due to his military achievements, eventually becoming the Governor-General of Guangxi and inheriting the title of Cavalry General. By the second year of the Chenghua reign (1466), the battle-hardened Ma Yiruo requested permission to retire honorably to Anqing. At that time, the Ma family had grown and spread across various locations, but the branch in the southern water gate area of Anqing was the most prominent. In order to provide a communal space for the family to gather, discuss matters, and resolve disputes, Ma Yiruo transformed the family residence into a public space called Qingzhen Dunyue Hall while overseeing the construction of the Mosque. The hall served both as a place for Islamic prayers and as a venue for the family to address conflicts. When Ma Dayong, the eighth-generation descendant, achieved the rank of Wu Tanhua, he brought the “Tanhua Jidi” plaque bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng back to Anqing and hung it at the entrance of Qingzhen Dunyue Hall. From then on, the hall became commonly known as Tanhua Mansion, gaining widespread fame as a renowned and noble residence, and became a symbol of pride for the Ma family in southern Anqing.

Having endured many trials, only two sections of the original structure remain today, yet they still retain much of their ancient charm. The entire building faces south and benefits from its prime location. Its structure follows the traditional Ming Dynasty brick-and-wood post-and-lintel style. The surviving two sections were originally the second and third courtyards. The second courtyard stands 6 meters tall with a total depth of 8 meters, while the third is a two-story pavilion-style structure, with a total height of 6.6 meters and also a depth of 8 meters. Both courtyards feature nine-rafter front-and-rear corridor layouts, exuding an elegant and classic ambiance.

The flagstone drums on either side of the main gate resemble resounding war drums. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the drum stones are plain, without any decorative patterns. The main relief features a dragon playing with a pearl, surrounded by carved clouds that create a dynamic, ethereal effect resembling a celestial cave. With ingenious designs, unique compositions, and a play of solid and void, these stone carvings showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Nearby, there is also a stone memorial archway inscribed with “Pillar of Maritime Defense,” erected to commemorate Ma Dayong’s lifelong military service and his contributions to safeguarding the nation’s coastal borders. It complements the grandeur of the residence.