The Ancient Architectural Complex of Maotanchang Old Street

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Maotanchang Old Street

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Maotanchang Old Street is a cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province.

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Maotanchang Old Street is located in the southeastern part of Maotanchang Town, Jin’an District, Lu’an City.

It dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The old street runs from east to west, with a total length of 1,320 meters and a total floor area of 41,624 square meters. There is a gate (street fortress) at both the eastern and western ends of the street. The eastern gate is 50 meters away from Shisun River, while Longshu River flows past the western and northern sides of the old street.

The street is paved with bluestone slabs and cobblestones. The buildings mainly consist of shops, residences, western-style buildings, and temples. The structures feature wooden roof trusses, gray brick walls, small gray-tiled roofs, and fire-prevention gables. The street-facing shops have shutter doors. Some buildings have 0- [possibly a typo], and typically each household has 2–3 courtyards. The buildings are generally well-preserved. From east to west, the old street intersects with Konglong Lane, Niupi Di Lane, Liuhuayi Lane, Jinglong Lane, Huayanqiang Lane, Dayangshu Lane, and Tanyoufang Lane. The overall architectural layout of the old street is distinct, with a unique style that embodies the distinctive characteristics of ancient residences in the Dabie Mountain region—a rare surviving example in northern Jianghuai.

(1) Key Ancient Buildings of Maotanchang Old Street

Protected Area: 20 meters east, 50 meters south, 50 meters west, and 20 meters north of the central line of the old street.

Construction Control Zone: 30 meters east, 50 meters south, 50 meters west, and 50 meters northwest of the protected area.

(2) Former Site of the Third Column Headquarters during the Zhangjiadian Battle

Protected Area: 20 meters east, 10 meters south, 5 meters west, and 10 meters north of the main building and its surrounding wall foundations.

Construction Control Zone: 50 meters east, 20 meters south, 10 meters west, and 20 meters north of the protected area.

Maotanchang Town: Maotanchang Town is situated at the southern part of Jin’an District, Lu’an City, at the eastern foothills of the Dabie Mountains, at the junction of Huoshan, Shucheng, and Jin’an districts. The town covers a total area of 59.1 square kilometers, governs 11 administrative villages, 1 street, and has a population of 18,000, including 8,000 in the town center. Maotanchang Town has a long history. Over a thousand years ago, it was a bustling hub of merchants and talent, home to an elegant and classic three-li-long street with unique architecture. During the Qing Dynasty, Tu Zonggen, Governor-General of Liangguang, recognized the value of the land and established the Tu Family Ancestral Hall here.

Fifty years ago, the Liu-Deng Army advanced into the Dabie... Detailed information about Maotanchang Town++