The Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex

The Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex

The Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex, Qing Dynasty, Nan'an City, Fujian Province

The Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex is located in Zhangli Village, Guanqiao, Nan'an, Fujian, approximately 20 kilometers from downtown Quanzhou. On June 25, 2001, it was designated by the State Council as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit as a Qing Dynasty historical building, and is known alongside Yongding Tulou as one of Fujian’s two remarkable residential wonders.

The Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex was built by Cai Qichang and his son Cai Shenzi between the Xianfeng and Xuantong reigns of the Qing Dynasty (1862–1911). Sixteen relatively intact residences still remain, arranged in parallel sequence over an approximately 3-hectare (over 40-acre) rectangular plot. The complex spans over 200 meters from east to west and over 100 meters from north to south, covering a total area of 15,300 square meters. Most structures feature a post-and-lintel framework with either gable or flush-gable roofs. Between the front and rear sections, there are stone-paved courtyards more than 10 meters wide, and firebreak passages two meters wide run between the gables. Individual buildings typically have three or two courtyards and five bays, oriented at 5 degrees southwest to avoid direct summer sunlight while shielding against winter northerly winds — the optimal orientation for housing in southern Fujian.

Each house in the Cai Family Ancient Residential Complex features soaring roof ridges, elaborately carved beams and painted rafters. The brick-and-stone reliefs on the front walls are rich in three-dimensional detail, while the lattice windows are adorned with delicately carved flowers and birds, showcasing exquisitely ornate decoration. Walls and hall partitions are accentuated with calligraphy and paintings that add unique charm, featuring seal, clerical, running, and regular scripts, each with its own distinctive flair. Many works were created by notable figures of the time. These artworks come in varied colors such as ink, color wash, gold, and plain; plaques exhibit unique forms like book, scroll, fan, and diamond shapes; and doors and windows come in diverse styles including round, arched, diamond, and square. Wood carvings, clay sculptures, brick carvings, and stone carvings abound throughout the complex, all exquisitely crafted, most using openwork, relief, or flat carving techniques. The carving themes are rich and varied — including birds and beasts, flowers and birds, fish and insects, landscapes and figures — with simple yet classic patterns. The small two-story study pavilion and dressing room annexed in the northeastern corner offer a second-floor vantage point from which visitors can gaze into the distance, evoking a deep sense of antiquity. The refined ornamentation of these ancient homes not only epitomizes the mature sculptural artistry of southern Fujian but also reflects influences from Hinduism, Islam, Southeast Asian cultures, and Western architectural styles, earning it the title of a grand garden of southern Fujian architecture. At the same time, with its grand scale, rigorous layout, exquisite ornamentation, and profound cultural significance, the complex is also praised as a veritable museum of Qing Dynasty southern Fujian architecture.

Zhangli Village: Located 2 kilometers west of the Guanqiao Town government seat. The village committee is stationed in Hongbang. It includes three natural villages: Hongbang, Zhangzhouliao, and Zhenbian. The settlement is distributed along the slopes on both sides of the “Guanhuang” highway. There are 8 villager groups, with a population of 1,050 households and 3,302 people. The name Zhangli Village derives from the simplification of Zhangzhouliao, where the township office was originally located. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it belonged to the Thirty-fifth District. In the Republican era, it was divided into Hongbang and Zhangli security areas. In the early years after liberation in 1949, it was called Zhangli Township and Hongbang Township. In 1956, they merged into Zhangli, in 1958 the Zhangli Brigade was established, and in 1984 it was renamed Zhangli Village Committee. Zhangli... More detailed information about Zhangli Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units