Hu Zongxian’s Shangshu Mansion

Hu Zongxian’s Shangshu Mansion

Located in the center of Longchuan Village, Jixi, Anhui, this mansion was home to 12 generations of the Hu family, from Hu Zongxian to those with the generational character “Bing.” The village is shaped like a boat, with Longxu Mountain rising to the east, Fenghuang Mountain guarding the west, and Dengyuan River and Longchuan River converging at the front, forming a treasured land of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. The Shangshu Mansion scenic area occupies the helm position of the boat and is considered the most auspicious spot in Longchuan in terms of feng shui.

The Hu Zongxian Shangshu Mansion in Longchuan features white walls and black tiles, surrounded by clear waters, creating a picturesque scene. Spanning five centuries, it showcases the mystery and magic of ancient Huizhou. Stepping into the 5,000-square-meter mansion, which resembles a small society, you’ll find structures such as the Shan Tang Hall, Official Hall, Meilin Pavilion, Hu Family Well, Embroidery Tower, Hui Opera Garden, Song Ancestral Hall, Wenchang Pavilion, Children’s Study, Earth God Temple, Clinic, Hu Gong Temple, Jiamei Tower, Yangxin Pavilion, Fish Pavilion, and Luming Pavilion, all interspersed with numerous quaint courtyards. These elements combine to form a labyrinthine mansion with crisscrossing lanes and pathways. At its peak, seven generations of the family lived here together. Residents could attend private school, enjoy opera performances, consult doctors, and worship ancestors—all without leaving the premises. It can be said that the Shangshu Mansion is the best-preserved, grandest, and most structurally complex Ming Dynasty architectural complex in ancient Huizhou, as well as the most representative official residence of the time.

If the wood carvings in Beijing’s Forbidden City embody the grandeur and boldness of royalty, then those in the Hu Zongxian Shangshu Mansion in Longchuan showcase the refined elegance of folk art. The exquisitely carved windows, partitions, and beams transport you into an ancient artistic realm. Combined with weathered wooden structures, traditional Huizhou furnishings, serene alleyways, cobblestone paths beneath your feet, and blue bricks, fine tiles, soaring upturned eaves, brick carvings, stone carvings, as well as staggered horse-head walls and vividly crafted dragon and animal motifs, you’ll feel as if time has reversed, instantly transporting you back to the life and times of the Ming Dynasty.

Professor Ruan Yisan, Director of the National Research Center for Historic Cities and a member of the Expert Committee for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Cities, highly praised the site after his visit: “The Shangshu Mansion is a typical representation of a key feature of Huizhou architecture and also reflects the characteristics of a culturally rich, special family of the time. The architecture is meticulously detailed, with fine craftsmanship in every element, offering scenic views in every direction. It is the best-preserved ancient building in Huizhou—a true masterpiece!”

Here, you can explore the area known as the “Twenty-Four Gateways,” visit the ancestral home of the Hu family, browse the Hu family genealogy, navigate the mansion maze, and appreciate the six unique aspects of Huizhou culture within the Shangshu Mansion.

Hu Zongxian (1512–1565), courtesy name Ruzhen, style name Meilin, became a Jinshi (advanced scholar) in the 17th year of the Jiajing Emperor’s reign. As the prefect of Hangzhou, he renovated West Lake and expanded Yue Fei’s Tomb. When Japanese pirates harassed China’s southeastern coast, Hu summoned Xu Wei, Wen Zhengming, and Qi Jiguang to resist them, eventually quelling the pirate threat. For these military achievements, he earned great honors, rising to the positions of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent and Minister of War. Historians have said, “Without Hu Zongxian, there would be no Qi Family Army.” Hu Zongxian’s life was glorious. He authored the 13-volume Treatise on Maritime Defense, which includes detailed information on the geography, defenses, weaponry, and battles along Zhejiang’s coast, and he was the first to officially incorporate Taiwan into Chinese territory.

Hu Zongxian (1512–1565), of Han ethnicity, courtesy name Ruzhen, style name Meilin, was a native of Jixi, Huizhou (now part of Anhui) and a renowned general of the Ming Dynasty who fought against Japanese pirates. In 1589 (the 17th year of the Wanli Emperor’s reign), he was granted imperial permission to be buried in his hometown on Tianma Mountain. His posthumous title is Xiangmao.

Jinshi (advanced scholar) in the 17th year of the Jiajing Emperor’s reign (1538). He served successively as magistrate of Yidu (now part of Shandong) and Yuyao (now part of Zhejiang), later promoted to imperial censor and assigned to patrol and inspect Xuanfu and Datong. In the 33rd year of Jiajing’s reign, he was appointed imperial censor for Zhejiang. Known for his wisdom and strategic acumen, he skillfully employed political tactics and was determined to achieve merit for the nation. At the time, Japanese pirates rampaged through coastal counties. Yan Song’s faction... More detailed information about Hu Zongxian ++