The Former Residence Complex of the Zeng Family

The Former Residence Complex of the Zeng Family

The Former Residence Complex of the Zeng Family is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

The Former Residence Complex of the Zeng Family (including the Ancestral Hall of Zeng Zai, the Ancestral Hall of Zeng Yun, the Hall of Lieutenant General, the Hall of Friendship, and the Moon-Viewing Terrace)

I. Geographic Location

The Qing Dynasty architectural complex of the Zeng Family in Wuyigang is located in the Zengjia Village Group, Erkou Village, Erkou Township, Guixi City, along the middle reaches of the Luxi River, bordering the national scenic tourist areas of Longhu Mountain and Shangqing Tianshi Mansion. The area enjoys convenient transportation—railway access via the Yingxia Railway with a stop at Zhenshang Railway Station; highways including the cement-paved Yingtan–Lengshui–Zixi Road; and waterway access via the Luxi River directly to Tianshi Mansion and Longhu Mountain. The complex is built against mountains and beside water, featuring lush trees, unique design, beautiful surroundings, and high-quality materials.

II. Scope and Area

The "Wuyigang" architectural complex was initially built between the 30th and 50th years of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1765–1785 AD), boasting a history of over 200 years. The overall layout forms a “品” (character “pin”) shape and is divided into four main sections: the Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall, the Fish Pond Garden, the Classics Study Academy, and the Residential Area, covering a total area of 64,000 square meters. At its peak, it housed 84 households with 428 residents.

III. Historical Evolution

The Zeng lineage of Wuyigang originated from Nanyu Village, Nanwushan, Jiaxiang County, Jinan Prefecture, Shandong Province (40 li south). During the Warring States period, they migrated south to Xiangxiang in Hunan, then to Jiyang (now Ji’an) in Jiangxi Province, and later moved approximately 60 kilometers south of Guixi County to Wuyigang Village, now known as Zengjia in Erkou Village, Erkou Township. Descendants commonly refer to them as the Wucheng Zeng Clan or the Zongsheng (Sage) lineage.

The generational characters (zi pai) are unified among the four surnames of Confucius, Mencius, Zeng, and Yan, and were personally inscribed and granted by the emperor.

In the third year of the Tongzhi reign, Emperor Dezong of the Qing Dynasty bestowed fifteen generational characters: 宏 (Hong), 闻 (Wen), 贞 (Zhen), 尚 (Shang), 衍 (Yan), 兴 (Xing), 毓 (Yu), 传 (Chuan), 纪 (Ji), 广 (Guang), 昭 (Zhao), 宪 (Xian), 庆 (Qing), 繁 (Fan), 祥 (Xiang). Later, during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong added ten more characters: 命 (Ming), 德 (De), 维 (Wei), 垂 (Chui), 佑 (You), 钦 (Qin), 绍 (Shao), 念 (Nian), 显 (Xian), 扬 (Yang).

In the first year of the Republic of China, President Yuan Shikai further added twenty characters: 建 (Jian), 道 (Dao), 敦 (Dun), 安 (An), 定 (Ding), 懋 (Mao), 修 (Xiu), 肇 (Zhao), 彝 (Yi), 常 (Chang), 裕 (Yu), 文 (Wen), 焕 (Huan), 锦 (Jin), 瑞 (Rui), 永 (Yong), 锡 (Xi), 世 (Shi), 绪 (Xu), 昌 (Chang).

"Wuyigang" was originally called "Wuni Gang" (Black Mud Port). During the time of the second-generation ancestor Zeng, in adherence to the ancient virtue of benevolence and righteousness, and hoping descendants would "pursue righteousness and benevolence," the name was changed to "Wuyigang" due to its homophonic similarity with "Wuni."

The Zeng Family of Wuyigang are descendants of Zeng Gong, one of the “Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties” from the Northern Song Dynasty, sharing lineage with Zeng Guofan. Originally a village inhabited by the Li and Deng families, legend has it that during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, three brothers surnamed Zeng from Ji’an, Jiangxi—Zeng Baishi, Zeng Yunshi, and Zeng Zai shi (whose father was Zeng Xian Gong)—fled famine and settled as laborers in Wuni Gang, herding cattle for the Li and Deng families. Once, Zeng Yunshi fell asleep while herding on Xianhuaxing Mountain (also called Zuoma Xing Mountain) behind the Deng family house and dreamed that the spot was an auspicious geomantic treasure. He dreamt that whoever was buried there would have descendants who would prosper. After Zeng Yunshi’s death, his descendants buried him there as per the dream, and indeed, the Zeng family began to thrive, while the original Li and Deng families gradually declined. Zeng Yunshi’s grave remains there to this day.

IV. Description of Protected Area Resources

The “Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall” originally had three halls: the Ancestral Hall of Zeng Xian Gong, the Ancestral Hall of Yun Shi, and the Ancestral Hall of Zeng Zai. The Ancestral Hall of Zeng Xian Gong was built during the 20th year of Qianlong and constructed by the first generation of the Zeng clan but was destroyed in 1958. The Ancestral Hall of Yun Shi was built in the 40th year of Qianlong by the second generation and is now converted into residential housing. The Ancestral Hall of Zeng Zai, the currently well-preserved Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall, was built in the 50th year of Qianlong (1785) by the third generation. It is said to have been funded by a wealthy widow in memory of her deceased husband. The hall is 44 meters long north-south, 26 meters wide east-west, 8 meters tall, with a construction area of 1,144 square meters. It features 100 wooden pillars and two full-length 8-meter green stone pillars with 0.5-meter diameters. The interior includes a stage, tavern, viewing hall, shrine, and tea room. The beams and columns are richly decorated with carvings and painted patterns, including vivid images of dragons spouting clouds. The entire structure is quaint and elegant, with distinctive local characteristics. According to clan rules, during the Qingming and Winter Solstice festivals, the clan leader would gather all villagers here to hold sacrificial ceremonies, offering pork and lamb, and sometimes inviting theater troupes to perform, showcasing the clan’s prosperity. A stone-carved couplet still stands at the entrance: “The Yi River lingers long, evoking the dew and frost’s sentiment; the spring breeze brushes across, spreading the fragrance of algae and duckweed,” with bold and powerful calligraphy. The hall is built with brick and wood, using a post-and-lintel structure. The exterior walls rise above the roof ridge, and rainwater drains through the courtyard skylights.

The “Fish Pond Garden” was built during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1821–1850), measuring 200 meters long and 60 meters wide, covering 12,000 square meters. It was destroyed in 1973. The pond cultivated lotus and fish, while the garden featured numerous flowers, trees, and pavilions for flower viewing and fish appreciation. With winding paths and fragrant blooms, it served as an ideal resting place, managed by appointed personnel funded by the “Yitian” (righteous fields).

The “Classics Study Academy” was constructed during the Daoguang reign, measuring 140 meters long and 36 meters wide, covering 5,040 square meters. It had four osmanthus trees and two rows of cypress trees planted out front but was destroyed in 1958. It served as the study place for Zeng family children, where a clan-appointed teacher provided free education funded by the Yitian. Graduates who entered official careers included Zeng Xiaonan, a selected scholar of the Daoguang reign; Zeng Sunqing, a Jinshi degree holder of the Guangxu reign; Zeng Guangxun, a graduate of the first class of Baoding Military Academy; Lieutenant General Zeng Xianyao; and several renowned doctors and teachers. The academy was once widely renowned for its scholarly atmosphere.

The “Residential Area” forms the main body of the complex. Initially consisting of 42 buildings with 510 rooms, it later expanded to 68 buildings and 712 rooms, covering 43,816 square meters. The residences are built against mountains and beside water, arranged in four ascending tiers. The outer perimeter follows the mountain contour with enclosing walls, giving a unified manor-like impression. The main gate faces south and is approached by granite steps leading up from the west. Following folk tradition of “welcoming the sun,” the stepped path turns 90 degrees directly in front of the gate onto a 6-meter square platform. The gate is designed in a “八” (eight) shape facing southeast, flanked by three 1-meter-tall granite flagpole bases arranged in a “品” shape. Six more steps lead up to the gate itself, styled like a royal mansion. Inside the gate is a 90-degree semi-circular courtyard, with small residential gateways to the east and west, each with a 1.5-meter-wide pathway leading to the second, third, and fourth rows of houses. Each courtyard has its own gateway, surrounded by 3.5-meter-high, 0.4-meter-thick granite walls with 0.2-meter granite foundations and upper brick walls. Some courtyards also feature granite railings. The front courtyards are 5–6 meters deep. The residences typically follow layouts of six bays, three sections, and two side rooms, or seven bays, three sections, and two side rooms, covering 500–800 square meters. Walls are fully enclosed with brick up to the roof for fire prevention, with granite corner protectors. The central area consists of a front hall, side bedrooms, and connected courtyards. Behind the courtyard lies a middle hall, with two smaller courtyards on either side. Corridors connect kitchens, woodsheds, and stables. Hidden drainage channels are built under each courtyard to channel roof runoff. The back, middle, and front halls feature wooden panel walls. Windows measure 1.5m x 1.25m, with multi-layered fittings including outer fine bamboo mesh, middle decorative patterns (福, 富, 寿, 禧), and inner movable wooden panels. Roof heights vary: 1 zhang 6 chi 6 cun, 1 zhang 7 chi 6 cun, or 1 zhang 8 chi 6 cun. The ceilings are lined with wooden boards to prevent leakage. Hall floors may be granite slabs with carved patterns or lime, clay, salt, tung oil, and rice paste mixtures. Rooms measure 1.2 zhang x 0.85 zhang x 0.8 zhang, with wooden upper floors and elevated wooden flooring 1 chi above the hall level. Courtyard edges are granite-lined with hidden drains; the center features pebble mosaics in intricate designs.

Thanks to meticulous planning, the complex harmoniously combines elegant towers, royal-style progressive halls, and spacious parallel-courtyard homes. Architecturally, key features include connected yet compartmentalized roofs with small doors for fire prevention—historical fires were contained. The clustered layout of 4–5 residences enhances safety and aesthetics, with a terraced southeastward design optimizing light and aligning with the traditional belief of “auspicious purple qi from the east.”

Craftsmanship highlights include ornate beams and columns, nine-tiered thirteen-roofed gateways in wood and brick, and thoughtfully separated utility and living spaces for hygiene. Front gardens and rear plantings of pines and fruit trees enhance beauty.

The rigorous structure has prevented natural collapse despite centuries of weathering, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.

V. Cultural Landscapes

1. Xianhua (Flower-Offering) Mountain: Also called Zuoma Xing Mountain, it resembles a seated woman and hosts three-century-old pines. Zeng Yunshi’s tomb lies at its navel.

2. Flagpole Stone Bases: Five pairs mark descendants’ scholarly honors, with clear inscriptions from the Daoguang-era Zeng Xiaonan.

3. Stone-Carved Couplets: Two legible pairs exist—one at the Ancestral Hall gate (“The Yi River lingers long…”), the other at the first flag gateway (“A flowing stream ripples with literature…”).

4. Inscribed Plaques: Two preserved— a gold “Bai Yuan” plaque and the Ancestral Hall’s “Zhong Nu Tang” (Loyalty and Righteousness Hall) gold plaque.

4. Plaques: Two well-preserved plaques remain—one is a gold-leafed plaque inscribed with “Ba Yuan,” and the other is a golden plaque that once hung in the central hall of the ancestral hall, inscribed with “Zhong Nu Tang.”

5. Historical Figures

Zeng Xiaonan, a selected scholar in the Daoguang era, rose to the rank of commander of the Jiujiang Naval Forces. He retired at age 60 and returned to his hometown, where he passed away at 61 and was buried in Lengshui Mapeng. Later, due to the development of a silver mine, his grave was relocated to the ancestral burial ground of the Zeng family.

Zeng Guangxun, graduated from the first class of Baoding Military Academy.

Zeng Wanyao, a lieutenant general, currently residing in Taiwan.

Zeng Zeqiang, a student of the second class at Whampoa Military Academy.

Zeng Zhaozong, a student of the sixteenth class at Whampoa Military Academy.

Source: People's Government of Yingtan City

Erkou Village: Erkou Village... Detailed information about Erkou Village++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units