Hegui Building

Hegui Building

Hegui Building is a cultural tourism attraction.

Hegui Building is located in Zhenshan Village, Meilin Town, and was built by Jian Ciping in the 10th year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1732). Also known as the Foot-of-Mountain Building, it covers an area of 1,298.8 square meters and had a total investment of 15,000 taels of silver.

As the name suggests, Hegui Building promotes the traditional Chinese value of harmony. True to its name, amid rapid societal changes, it remains exceptionally peaceful, serene, and stable.

The five-story rectangular building stands 21.5 meters tall, with the first-floor earthen walls being 1.34 meters thick. The thickness decreases progressively from the ground up, reaching just 65 centimeters on the fifth floor. It is the tallest square earthen building in the county. The interior features a neat timber-framed structure with 140 rooms.

The building has one main gate in the center, with four staircases at the east, west, south, and north corners leading to all floors. In the center of the courtyard stands a three-bay single-story schoolhouse. Above the front door of the hall hang two significant plaques: one inscribed with “Promote Learning and Respect Education,” bestowed by Lin Sen, then Chairman of the Nationalist Government, and erected by Jian Xianqiang; the other, “Promote Learning and Benefit Overseas Chinese,” presented in October of the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927) by Chen Shuren, Head of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission of the Nationalist Government, and also established by Jian Xianqiang.

Hegui Building was constructed over a swamp using thousands of pine wood piles as foundations. Due to the unique properties of pine, the building has withstood several earthquakes without collapsing. The open ground in the courtyard feels spongy underfoot, and inserting a bamboo pole into the soil causes water to seep out. There are two wells on the site—one clear and the other murky.

Regarding the origin of the murky well, legend has it that it became contaminated when a woman in her postpartum confinement period opened a well cover she shouldn’t have.

Address: Pushan Village, Meilin Town, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City

Type: Historical Site, Rural Area, Historic Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 18032230867

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the ticket for the Tulou Yunshuiyao Ancient Town scenic area.

A combo ticket is available for three attractions—Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, Hua Yuan Building, and Hegui Building—at 90 RMB per person.

Students receive a 50% discount upon presenting valid ID.

Transportation

I. Getting to Yunshuiyao Scenic Area:

1. Take a train to Nanjing Railway Station. Upon arrival, take the tourist bus just outside the station (one bus approximately every hour, 20 RMB per person, 1.5-hour ride), or transfer to a dedicated Tulou shuttle at Nanjing Bus Station (20 RMB per person), or hire a private car (approximately 40 RMB per person).

2. From Xiamen Hubin South Long-Distance Bus Station, take the 8:00 AM bus to Yunshuiyao (55 RMB, about a 3.5-hour ride).

II. Getting to Hua Yuan Building:

Accessible on foot within the scenic area.

Meilin Town: Located in the northwest of Nanjing County, Meilin Town covers a total area of 109 square kilometers. The area is rich in resources and enjoys convenient transportation. The Santuan Stream flows from south to north into the Shujiao Stream, and the Shanchang Highway runs through the entire region. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Meilin belonged to the Meilin Subdistrict of Jurenli, while Changjiao belonged to the Changjiao Subdistrict. In the early Republican period, it was part of the Santuan District and Changjiao District. By 1943 (the 32nd year of the Republic of China), it was incorporated into Changmei Township. Historically, the area has produced many notable figures, including three successful imperial examination candidates (jinshi) and 22 juren (successful candidates in the provincial examinations). In the early years of the People’s Republic of China, it was designated as the Fifth District. In September 1958, it became Meilin People's Commune, and in July 1984, it was restructured as Meilin Township. In September 199... More detailed information about Meilin Town++