Xinyu Zhurongtang

Xinyu Zhurongtang

Xinyu Zhurongtang is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Zhurongtang is located in Hanquan Village, Guanchao Town, Xiannvhu District, present-day Xinyu City. It was the private residence of Zhang Junhai, an official from the Ministry of War during the Ming Dynasty, also known as “Zhang Junhai’s Official Hall.” Zhang Ding (1344–1413), styled Junhai, was a native of Hanquan, Guanchao Town, Xinyu City. He was an imperial scholar, well-versed in learning and talented in writing. In the 15th year of the Hongwu reign (1382), he was recommended for his talent and appointed as an official in the Ministry of War, Division of Chariots. He was known for recommending virtuous individuals and yielding to the capable, as well as for his integrity and capable administration. The "Epitaph of Zhang Junhai, Official of the Ministry of War" states: “…As an official, Zhang Junhai did not fail his country above nor burden the people below. During his six years in office, there was no misconduct recorded.”

Zhurongtang was built by Zhang Junhai, an official of the Division of Chariots in the Ming Dynasty’s Ministry of War, and is a typical example of official hall architecture from the Ming period. According to the "Genealogy of the Zhang Family of Hanquan": “Hanquan is located in Changle Township, northwest of the county, in a place called Hanxia. There is a massive, towering rocky outcrop in the mountains that is hollow inside like a house—locals call it the ‘Stone House.’ Below it flows a spring that connects with Hanquan, which remains abundant even in severe droughts, providing irrigation without fail. This is where Zhang Junhai, the official, resided…” Another entry states: “In the 28th year of the Hongwu reign (1395), the scholar Xie Jin personally inscribed the two characters ‘Zhurong’ (Daytime Splendor) as a farewell gift, hence the hall was later named ‘Zhurongtang.’ To this day, descendants continue to pass on its legacy without diminishment.”

Zhurongtang was constructed during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty. It is a courtyard complex featuring hall-style architecture with distinctive features of the southern Yangtze region. With a construction area of 950 square meters, it has blue-tiled upper sections and green brick lower sections, using a brick, stone, and timber structure. Its eaves are adorned with Ming-style roof tiles, while no bracket sets (dougong) are used between beams and columns, reflecting the architectural characteristics of the Ming Dynasty. Zhurongtang consists of three courtyards, all well-preserved. Architecturally, along the central axis, there is, in sequence, a pond, flagpoles, mounting and dismounting stones, a main gate archway, the main building, and a garden, all enclosed within walls in a rational layout. The front of the hall features a Ming Dynasty blue-brick archway with fine carvings and exquisite patterns. Structurally, the main building uses a mixed system of through-tenon and raised-beam construction, giving it a light and graceful appearance. The main hall is three bays wide and ranges from one to four bays deep. Each bay has a simple layout, with a central hall flanked by side rooms. Between the bays are symmetrical side rooms and corridors. The central courtyard allows for lighting, ventilation, and drainage, creating an orderly and rhythmic spatial arrangement. The floors are paved with granite and blue bricks, while the roof is sloped with gable walls at both ends. The wooden carvings and stone sculptures inside demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, with lifelike depictions of flowers and animals. Decorative elements such as caisson ceilings, column bases, doors, windows, partition grilles, T-shaped bracket arms, curved beams, and supporting peaks showcase refined artistry. Ancillary relics—including plaques, carvings, stone horse troughs, springs, ancient camphor trees, ancient drums, and an ornate eight-character arched main gate—are all well-preserved and extremely valuable.

Zhurongtang is a treasure of Xinyu’s architectural history and culture. Its architectural form, structure, and craftsmanship reflect significant historical and cultural heritage value. In 1985, students of the Jiangxi Provincial Ancient Architecture Training Class used Zhurongtang as a key focus for practical study. Professor Xu Bo’an from the Department of Architecture at Tsinghua University, the renowned Chinese ancient architecture expert Mr. Zhang Yuhuan, as well as experts from the Palace Museum, visited the site for inspection. They spoke highly of the building and recommended it be given priority protection. In May 1984, it was announced as one of the first batch of cultural relic protection units in Xinyu City; in July 2000, it was listed as part of the fourth batch of cultural relic protection units in Jiangxi Province.

Guanchao Town: The town got its name from herons nesting here, grew into a settlement due to economic prosperity and cultural richness, and became famous for its lush vegetation and beautiful ecological environment.

Guanchao was established as a township in the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. After over 210 years of trials, today more than 25,000 residents of Guanchao carry forward the past and forge ahead on this 84.43-square-kilometer land, striving to create new glories under the vision of “building Guanchao into an ecological agriculture hub town.”

Guanchao guards the northern gateway to Yangtian Hill and lies on the northwest thoroughfare of Xinyu City, just 6 kilometers from downtown. Within its territory, Yangtian Hill rises majestically like a screen and is hailed as Xinyu’s “natural backyard garden…” More details about Guanchao Town ++