South Cheng Yao Fang Da Fu Di

South Cheng Yao Fang Da Fu Di

The Yao Fang Boat-Shaped House is located in Duan Shang Cun Group, Yao Fang Cun, Tianjingyuan Township, Nan Cheng County. Constructed during the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, it faces east and consists of two Da Fu Di buildings. It stretches 87 meters from east to west and 56 meters from north to south, covering an area of approximately 10 mu. The floor plan of the Yao Fang Boat-Shaped House features a main hall with three sections and one corridor, flanked by side wings connected to the main hall, with over 20 courtyards—both large and small—and more than a hundred rooms. The halls are spacious and bright, with exquisitely carved wooden doors and windows, and beams and rafters adorned with bas-reliefs in various vivid shapes. The upper hall houses a wooden-carved shrine, while the floors inside are paved with square bricks, and the room layout is well-arranged. Corridors weave through the structure, locally referred to as the "Hundred and Eight Rooms House." In front lies a large courtyard, with an auxiliary building on each side, and directly opposite the main gate stands a red stone flagpole pedestal, inscribed in intaglio with “Guangxu Jiawu Year, Provincial Graduate Ning Wenlin”—Ning Wenlin being a descendant of the Ning family. The lintels of both Da Fu Di buildings are adorned with stone carvings depicting figures and floral motifs, all vividly shaped and finely crafted. The entire architectural complex has a unique shape; when viewed from behind the western hill to the south, the ancient residence resembles a boat sailing southward toward the water—a rare sight in the county. The house was built by two members of the Ning family—an uncle and his nephew—the left side constructed by the uncle, the right by the nephew.

In addition to the “Boat House,” Yao Fang Cun also boasts over 10 other ancient architectural complexes such as Duan Ji Da Fu Di and Yuan Ji Da Fu Di, notable for their large number, significant scale, and well-preserved condition. The village also has over 10 ancient camphor trees with lush foliage and six ancient wells with clear, sweet water. To the north of the “Boat House” lies a relatively well-preserved study hall, which nurtured five notable figures of the Ning family including Ning Xianbang, Ning Mingbang, and Ning Wenlin. A stele has been erected in the courtyard in honor of Ning Wenlin for achieving scholarly honors. The existing Guanyin Hall, Zhangwang Temple, and Sha Gong Miao in the village serve as venues for ancestral worship and temple fair activities for the descendants of Yao Fang. Every year, Yao Fang holds events such as deity parading temple fairs and traditional Sanjiaoban opera performances, preserving customs passed down from ancient times.

Yao Fang Cun: Located in Yao Fang Cun, Tianjingyuan Township, Nan Cheng County, there is a famous “boat-style ancient house.” Not only does the entire Boat House resemble the shape of a boat, but it also features characteristics typical of large vessels—such as a bow, stern, cargo hold, and deck—all present in the structure. It is understood that this grand house was built during the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty (some say late Ming), covers an area of about 10 mu, and has over a hundred rooms. Among its rare features are two main halls arranged side by side from east to west, both bearing plaques inscribed with “Da Fu Di.” The doors and windows are beautifully adorned with embossed and gilded patterns; the beams and rafters feature exquisitely carved stone and woodwork; and the decorative pillars and wooden doors are carved with images of flowers, birds, fish, and insects... Detailed information about Yao Fang Cun ++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units