Jingde Hall

Jingde Hall

Jingde Hall is situated at the downstream bend of the Niucheng Water Channel in Hongcun. Constructed in the early Qing Dynasty during the Shunzhi era (1646), it is an H-shaped residence. The hall has three courtyards, with a front yard, a central section consisting of three bays, and both front and rear courtyards. The overall architecture is modestly decorated, with square pillars. It stands as a prime example of late Ming and early Qing residential buildings in Hongcun and provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of common merchants, as well as the layout of Huizhou architecture from the Ming and Qing periods. The main halls are arranged back to back, with courtyards in both the front and rear sections, ensuring good lighting. Wings are located on both sides, with a front courtyard to the south and a kitchen to the north. The kitchen also contains a small courtyard, while the east side features a small side hall facing west and a large garden.

On the east and west sides of the main hall of Jingde Hall, there are six lotus-patterned doors each. The central panels are carved with bats—specifically five bats—symbolizing the meaning of “Five Bats Offering Longevity, Myriad Blessings and Prosperity.” The east and west wing rooms served as bedrooms for the owners. The windows of these rooms feature openwork carvings of coin patterns, and the lower panels are carved with endless knot designs, signifying wealth and blessings.

Hongcun Village: Hongcun is located in the northeastern part of Yi County, Anhui Province. The village covers an area of 19.11 hectares. Established during the Shaoxi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1131 AD), it has a history of over 800 years. Backed by the foothills of Huangshan Mountain, such as Yangzhan Ridge and Leigang Mountain, the village sits at a relatively high elevation and is known as the “Village in a Chinese Painting.”

Hongcun is situated at the southwestern foot of Huangshan Mountain and to the north of Yicheng. The village spans 4.1 square kilometers, with 768 acres of arable land, 13 villager groups, 437 households, and a population of 1,368. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Eco-Cultural Village, … More detailed information about Hongcun++