The Ancient Architectural Complex of Houwan Village

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Houwan Village

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

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Houwan Village is located in the Qianwan and Houwan natural villages under the Sanjiang Village Committee, Sanjiang Town, Nanchang County. Since the relocation here by Wan Di, a former Minister of War and patriotic scholar during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, the village has flourished for over 800 years. Situated at the intersection of four counties and blessed with the scenic charm of the Three Rivers, the village has maintained a vibrant literary culture through generations, producing numerous loyal and honorable individuals as well as talented people. Historical records list fifteen successful imperial examination (jinshi) candidates, along with hundreds of juren (provincial degree holders) and xiucai (scholarship holders).

Through generations of careful stewardship, the village boasts an orderly layout, lush greenery, grassy meadows, mirror-like waters, clean streets, ancient residences, and cultural relics, making it a renowned scenic site of a distinguished family in the region. Attractions such as the bronze statue of Minister Wan in Wanfang Garden, the Daoguang-era ancient well, the Gate of Bidafa, the Golden List Flagpole Stone, the Carp Pond, the Double Chastity Memorial Archway, the Eighteen Slopes, and the Ming and Qing dynasty ancient architectural complex all showcase the profound cultural heritage of the ancient Sanjiang area.

Since its establishment from the Song to the Ming dynasties, the natural village has thrived through generations, forming an impressive ensemble of ancient architecture. The existing 61 ancient buildings are all constructed with brick, wood, and stone. The exterior walls are built with granite (angular gravel stone) at the base and greyish-blue interlocking bricks above, while the interiors feature bluestone flooring and wooden structures. The beams and pillars are thick and sturdy, with double-layered beams and intricately carved lattice windows. The layout of the houses generally consists of one or two courtyards, with side rooms arranged according to the terrain in a rational and spacious manner. The lanes between the buildings are neatly planned, drainage systems are unobstructed, and the houses are densely arranged in an orderly fashion of varying heights.

Architectural Features of Ming Dynasty Residences: The exterior walls often feature five-section "mountain-pattern" gables. The central beam of the inner hall is arched, the column bases are wooden pedestals often carved with hanging or upward-facing lotus motifs, and the bracket arms extend without bracket arms (que ti) or struts. The window frames are carved in a simple yet refined style.

Architectural Features of Qing Dynasty Residences: Most retain the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty, using post-and-lintel construction without extended eaves. Bracket arms (que ti) begin to appear, often carved with cloud and tiger motifs. The column bases are typically stone drum-shaped. The layout of halls and rooms is compact and highly functional, with fewer enclosed spaces.

In December 2002, the Nanchang County People’s Government listed it as part of the Third Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units of Nanchang County.

In December 2011, the Nanchang Municipal People’s Government listed it as part of the Fourth Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units of Nanchang City.

Source: Nanchang County Museum

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units of Jiangxi Province