The Two Cao Residences

The Two Cao Residences

The Two Cao Residences are a cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province.

The Two Cao Residences are representative examples of Huizhou-style residences from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. With a total floor area of 994 square meters, they feature exquisite craftsmanship and are remarkably well-preserved, showcasing intricate brick, stone, and wood carvings. Located within the ancient Huizhou prefectural city, the Two Cao Residences authentically retain historical information about Huizhou culture and hold comprehensive research value in geography, humanities, and architecture.

The Two Cao Residences are located on Daguojing Street in Huicheng Town. Built during the Republican era, they face east and are connected side-by-side. The southern residence has two courtyards and three bays, with a width of 10.7 meters and a depth of 12.9 meters, covering an area of approximately 138 square meters. It features a small front courtyard, side rooms beneath the main hall, corridors on both sides of the central courtyard, and carved screen doors. The upper hall is an open space with a second floor and showcases fine brick, wood, and stone carvings. The northern residence also has two courtyards and three bays, measuring 10.7 meters in width and 13.2 meters in depth, covering an area of about 136 square meters. Both the upper and lower halls have side rooms, though the wood carvings are slightly less refined than those in the southern residence.

In 2004, the entire structure underwent a complete dismantling and major restoration.

In 2004, it was designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province.

Address: No. 20, Daguojing Street, Huicheng Town, She County

Huicheng Town: Huicheng Town is the seat of government for She County, a renowned historical and cultural city in China. Established in the Qin Dynasty, it has served as the seat of prefectural and state governments since the Tang Dynasty and is historically known as the “Huizhou Prefecture.” It is one of the most representative sites of Huizhou culture. In streets such as Doushan Street and at landmarks like the Yuliang Dam, you can discover historical remnants from the Ming and Qing Dynasties that reflect the legacy of Huizhou merchants who dominated commerce for three to four hundred years. At the Xu Guo Stone Archway and ancient residences, you can explore the essence of Huizhou culture—one of China’s three major regional cultures—known as the “sea of cultural relics,” the “land of culture,” and the “Eastern Zoulu,” as well as the heritage of eminent figures such as Xu Guo and Tao Xingzhi, who were nurtured by the spiritually rich and picturesque land of ancient Huizhou... More details about Huicheng Town++