Hu Zongxian’s Former Residence (Shaobao Mansion)

Hu Zongxian’s Former Residence (Shaobao Mansion)

Hu Zongxian’s Former Residence (Shaobao Mansion) is a cultural relic protection unit of Jixi County.

Hu Zongxian’s former residence is located in the center of Longchuan Village, Yingzhou Township. It was the home of Hu Zongxian, a renowned anti-Wokou official and Minister of War during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty. Covering an area of 1,700 square meters, it has a history of over 400 years. Due to historical reasons, part of the residence was destroyed. The existing structures include the main building, the east-facing wing, the west-facing bungalow, the front courtyard, and the rear garden, with the overall layout largely preserving its historical appearance. In 2002, the residence was restored through private investment, returning it to its original state. In addition to renovating the original buildings, the site was expanded based on historical records to include structures such as the official hall, Buddhist garden, plum grove pavilion, medical clinic, young lady’s tower, and Wenchang Pavilion, completing the restoration of Hu Zongxian’s former residence. The residence is built with a brick-and-wood structure, featuring multiple gates and courtyards, quiet alleys, and a combination of brick, wood, and stone carvings. It holds significant value for the study of Hu Zongxian, the Hu clan of Longchuan, and even the architectural craftsmanship of Huizhou-style official mansions. In 2005, it was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of the county, with approval document number Jizheng [2005] No. 41. The protected area extends 30 meters in all directions (east, south, west, north), while the construction control zone extends 70 meters in all directions.

Hu Zongxian’s Shaobao Mansion, also known as Hu Zongxian’s former residence, is located in Longchuan Village, Jixi, Anhui. It boasts exquisite architecture, a unique layout, and ingenious design, and is world-renowned for its “numerous gate towers, horse-head walls, and ancient alleys.”

Hu Zongxian’s Shaobao Mansion presents his life story to visitors in the new form of an anti-Wokou memorial hall, divided into four exhibition rooms:

The first exhibition room focuses on Hu Zongxian’s life;

The second exhibition room covers the Wokou menace and his crisis-time appointment;

The third exhibition room highlights his wisdom and bravery in achieving merits in the southeast;

The fourth exhibition room depicts his unjust imprisonment and lingering spirit over the white clouds.

The exhibition rooms use innovative formats and atmospheric design to emphasize the role of images and multimedia; modern audio, light, and electrical high-tech techniques vividly showcase Hu Zongxian’s heroic achievements in combating the Wokou and pacifying the maritime borders.

Hu Zongxian’s Shaobao Mansion will play a promoting role in enriching the cultural内涵 of Longchuan tourism and enhancing the humanistic tourism appeal of Jixi.

Hu Zongxian (1512–1565), of Han ethnicity, courtesy name Ruzhen, art name Meilin, was a native of Jixi, Huizhou (now part of Anhui). He was a famous anti-Wokou general of the Ming Dynasty. In the 17th year of the Wanli era (1589), he was granted imperial permission to be buried in his hometown at Tianma Mountain, and was posthumously honored with the title Xiangmao.

He passed the imperial examination in the 17th year of the Jiajing era (1538). He successively served as magistrate of Yidu (now part of Shandong) and Yuyao (now part of Zhejiang), later promoted to imperial censor and inspector of Xuanfu and Datong. In the 33rd year of Jiajing, he was appointed as imperial censor of Zhejiang. Known for his strategic mind and adept use of political tactics, he was determined to achieve merit for the nation. At the time, the Wokou were ravaging coastal counties, and Yan Song’s associates… More details about Hu Zongxian++