Hu Yongji’s Residence

Hu Yongji’s Residence

A brick-and-timber structure building from the mid-Ming Dynasty. Divided into two sections by the roof ridge, the space in front of the ridge and behind it forms two courtyards. The front section has five bays, with the central three serving as the main hall (the ceremonial hall), and the two side bays functioning as bedrooms. The rear section contains four rooms, two nested within each other to form two suites. There is a side gate on the east side outside the main entrance, leading to a long, narrow passage that goes straight to the rear courtyard. A side gate in the west wing of the front courtyard leads to the outdoors.

The columns on the upper and lower floors are not aligned. The wooden framework on the upper floor exhibits characteristics of early Ming architecture, such as the flat cross-sections of the beams and lintels; gently upturned beam eyebrows; and simply carved forked brackets and beam ends. All beams are supported by bracket sets in the shape of the character “丁” (ding), with deeply carved flower designs in the bracket holes. There are also reed-patterned walls between the beams, fully decorated up to the ceiling. Both the upper and lower floors have square brick flooring. The most exquisite feature is the three-sided corridor surrounding the front courtyard, adorned with carved railing panels. The five horizontal rows of panels are fitted with scalloped openings, intricately carved with patterns of flowers, birds, insects, fish, and animals, featuring openwork carving, pierced carving, and high relief, all showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty Huizhou.