The Qiu Family Mansion

The Qiu Family Mansion

The Qiu Family Mansion is located in Huangxi Village, Paibu Town, Tonggu County. From the county town to the provincial-level Tongliu Highway is about seven kilometers. Turn left after crossing the Futian Bridge over the Ding River, then follow the Huangxi Stream, a tributary of the Ding River, upstream for three kilometers, and you will come across a large homestead — this is the Qiu Family Mansion.

The Qiu Family Mansion is a typical example of traditional Hakka residential architecture in southern China. Like other Hakka enclosed houses, it features the same practice of clustering together under one clan. However, it also incorporates characteristics unique to southern mountain villages. Originally, the Hakka people in the south originally came from the Yellow River basin. They hailed from faraway northern regions, and settling in an unfamiliar land inevitably brought many challenges. In order to overcome these difficulties, live stably, and build a beautiful home, they chose to live together as one extended family. This also reflects their cultural tradition of unity, mutual love, and harmony with nature.

The Qiu Family Mansion is built against a hillside and surrounded by an outer wall. The front features a grand gate tower. Upon entering through the gate tower, you’ll find a spacious lawn with a neat path of small cobblestones leading straight to the main hall. Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the mansion faces north and covers an area of 20,000 square meters. It currently has 104 rooms, divided among the front, middle, and rear halls, with wing rooms and side rooms on both sides. The halls and rooms are interconnected via corridors. Three courtyards connect the upper and lower halls, aligning the main hall with the side halls. It is said that at its peak, the mansion housed 23 families — all close relatives — who lived together in harmony, respecting the elderly, cherishing the young, and treating each other with courtesy. During festivals, people of all ages gathered in the central hall to worship ancestors, while dragon and lion dances, along with the beating of gongs and drums, took place on the open ground in front of the main gate, creating a joyous and peaceful atmosphere.

The main hall of the mansion was constructed with around 200 pillars of various sizes, forming its columns, beams, brackets, and doors. These are adorned with vivid carvings and paintings of landscapes, flowers, birds, animals, and mythical creatures, painted in bright, eye-catching colors. The structure once gleamed with golden splendor and an antique charm, appearing magnificent and imposing. After centuries of wind and rain, time has faded the colors but left behind the marks of history.

The architectural structure of the Qiu Family Mansion is rigorous and its style is unique. From the large granite stones used in the beams and courtyards to the intricate carvings on the doors and windows, every element — whether grand and powerful or delicate and gentle — reflects the meticulous care and thoughtfulness of its builders. Take the granite slabs in the courtyards, for example: some are over three meters long and are said to have been sourced from the Xiushui area, all uniformly cut, likely filtered through the same mold. The hexagonal patterns in the courtyards are made from cobblestones of consistent size and shape. The window lattices of the gate tower are carved with a variety of patterns, each carrying deep meaning. Carvings of spring flowers and autumn moon symbolize the fruition of one’s efforts; those of bitter melon vines, chili plants, grapevines, and watermelon sprouts represent the ups and downs of life. These symbolize teaching descendants to remain confident in life while understanding that not all is smooth sailing — they must be prepared to endure hardships. Two door carvings subtly reference lines from the famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai: “Li Bai is about to set off in his boat when he suddenly hears the sound of singing on the shore. The water of Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep, yet it cannot compare to Wang Lun’s farewell love for me.” These express the nostalgia of the Hakka ancestors as they left their homeland, as well as their hope to forge new friendships and bonds in their new land. Among these carvings — be they of flowers, birds, insects, fish, snow, moon, people, or animals — all are vividly crafted and rich in meaning.

It is said that the first owner of the Qiu Family Mansion was Qiu Gaohui. After getting married and starting his career at the age of 18, he began planning the construction of the mansion. By the time the mansion had taken its initial shape, his son had just turned 18; by the time it was completed, his grandson had also come of age. After more than 30 years of meticulous craftsmanship, the grand and prosperous Qiu Family Mansion was finally completed. However, after enduring the trials of time, changing landscapes, and the coming and going of people, today the mansion stands empty. Its former vibrancy has faded into silence, and its once exquisite beauty has lost its luster and color. Only the changes around it serve as a contrast to the mansion’s quiet presence and the untold stories of the past, with faint traces left upon its walls.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units