Huzhou Ancient Architectural Complex

Huzhou Ancient Architectural Complex

The Huzhou Ancient Architectural Complex is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Jiangxi Province.

Huzhou Ancient Architectural Complex (including Huamen Tower, Courtyard, Bangtang, Jimitang, Ancient Theater Stage, Xi Clan Ancestral Hall, Changle Nunnery, Tianfu Temple, Ancient Residential Cluster, Xi Zhenling’s “Zhongkui” Stone Monument, and Academy)

Huzhou Village is located in Shuibi Town, Xiajiang County, Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province. Over 95% of the village’s residents bear the surname Xi, with approximately 1,000 households. Originally called Huamen Tower, the village was later renamed Huzhou due to historical changes. The ancient village is home to nearly 600 Xi households and over 3,000 villagers, preserving a large number of buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Xi Clan Ancestral Hall is located slightly east of Huzhou Village, not far from the banks of the Yi River. It was originally built during the Ming Dynasty, featuring a brick-and-timber structure with a hip-and-gable roof. It has a depth of 60.8 meters and a width of 22.2 meters, covering a construction area of 1,349.76 square meters. The existing structure was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. The interior consists of three courtyards, separated by a central courtyard, comprising the front hall, middle hall, and rear hall. The current condition is relatively well-preserved, and the ancestral hall continues to serve its traditional functions.

The Wenming Shi Di Residence, located southeast of Huzhou Village in Shuibi Town, Xiajiang County, includes Jimitang, Bangtang, and the entrance gate tower. Together, they form the cultural heritage site known as Huamen Tower. Oriented north-south, it has a width of 7.53 meters and a height of 5.6 meters, with walls 0.6 meters thick. Originally constructed in the Northern Song Dynasty during the Yuanyou Year of Yihuang (1085), it was initially a wooden structure. In the second year of the Huangqing era of the Yuan Dynasty (1313), it was renovated and expanded. During the 19th year of the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1483), it underwent a second renovation, transitioning from wood to a brick-and-stone structure. The roof features a triple-tiered design with double-layered eaves, all adorned with brick carvings. The lintel was inscribed with the characters “Wenming Shi Di” (Literary Fame House).

Tianfu Temple is located to the left of the Xi Clan Ancestral Hall. Research indicates it was built by Xi Youyi, the founding ancestor of Huzhou, after he completed his term as Prefect of Jizhou during the Song Dynasty’s Qingli era and returned to farming. The current structure dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It features a brick-and-timber structure with a hip-and-gable roof, oriented north-south. It has a width of 8 meters and a depth of 13.4 meters, with a single courtyard and two sections. A large iron bell weighing over 1,000 jin is housed in the right tower.

Changle Nunnery is located to the left of Tianfu Temple. It is a Qing Dynasty-era nunnery building, oriented north-south, with a brick-and-timber structure and a hip-and-gable roof. It has a width of 6.5 meters and a depth of 13.4 meters, covering a construction area of 87.1 square meters, with a single courtyard and two sections.

The Ancient Theater Stage is located east of Huzhou Village. It was built in the second year of the Yongzheng era (1724) and later reconstructed on the original foundation. The stage is situated near the Linxi River, measuring 13 meters in length and 22.7 meters in width, covering an area of approximately 295.1 square meters. It takes the form of a hexagonal six-pillar pavilion.

Huzhou Village: In 2012, Huzhou Village in Xiajiang County was designated as a Millennium Ancient Village of Jiangxi Province. In early 2013, it was listed among 156 key cultural heritage protection bases in Jiangxi. Efforts are currently underway to develop it into a national-level millennium ancient village, with aspirations of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is not only ancient but also boasts a serene and picturesque environment: surrounded by verdant mountains and clear waters, with majestic peaks rising in layers and a grand atmosphere. In front of the village, a small bridge spans a flowing stream, with the Yi River offering crystal-clear blue water where fish and shrimp play freely. In summer, it serves as a natural swimming pool for villagers and a cool playground for children. The village is home to ancient ancestral halls, temples, and more... More details about Huzhou Village ++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units of Jiangxi Province