Longnan Wushi Wai

Longnan Wushi Wai

Longnan Wushi Wai is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Wushi Wai is located by the Dongshui River in Yangcun Town. It got its name from a large, dark-colored stone lying to the left of the main gate, hence also known as Panshi Wai (Rock Wai).

Constructed during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and standing for over 390 years, Wushi Wai features a rectangular front and a semi-circular rear. Among the many uniquely styled Hakka enclosed houses, it is notably distinctive and highly valuable. Covering an area of about 4,500 square meters, the main facade of the Wai is approximately 60 meters long, extending to about 70 meters at the base of the rear circular section. The surrounding wall is around 8 meters high and consists of 2–3 floors. On both left and right corners of the front facade, there are symmetrically built 15-meter-high square watchtowers. The four walls of the watchtowers are dotted with numerous gun ports and cannon holes. The Wai is exceptionally solid and boasts strong defensive capabilities.

The Wai has three gates in total. The main gate is situated in the center of the front facade, flanked by two exquisitely carved stone drums, each topped with a stone lion, signifying that the Wai was once home to an official family. Passing through the main gate leads to a grand three-courtyard hall, serving as a public activity space for the Hakka residents inside. On either side of the hall are six courtyards, each made up of two-story buildings, totaling 36 side rooms, along with three spacious halls — forming an imposing square-shaped architectural complex that constitutes the core of Wushi Wai. Encircling this square hall complex are 62 two-story houses forming a semi-circular structure. The second-floor inner side facing the hall features wooden corridors forming a U-shaped passageway for easy communication, while the outer walls are lined from top to bottom with numerous deep, dark gun ports and cannon holes. Together with the two watchtowers on either side of the front, they form a formidable firepower network to defend against external threats.

On October 7, 2019, Wushi Wai was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Address: Yangcun Village, Yangcun Town, Longnan County, Ganzhou City

Yangcun Village: Yangcun Village…… More details about Yangcun Village++

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units