Ancient Residential Houses of Wancun

Ancient Residential Houses of Wancun

The Ancient Residential Houses of Wancun are a cultural heritage site protected by Nanchang County.

Era: Ming and Qing Dynasties

Type: Ancient Architecture

Address: Qianwan and Houwan Natural Villages, Sanjiang Village, Sanjiang Town, Nanchang County

Introduction:

The Ancient Residential Houses of Wancun are situated in Qianwan and Houwan Natural Villages, Sanjiang Village, Sanjiang Town, Nanchang County. Since the relocation here by Wan Di, a former Minister of War and patriotic scholar during the Northern Song Dynasty under Emperor Shenzong, the area has a history spanning over 800 years. Located at the convergence of four counties and blessed with the scenery of three rivers, the village has fostered a rich literary tradition through generations, producing numerous loyal and honorable figures as well as talented individuals. Historical records document fifteen successful imperial examination candidates (Jinshi), along with hundreds of Juren (successful provincial exam candidates) and Xiucai (successful local exam candidates).

Since its establishment from the Song to the Ming Dynasties, the village has flourished through generations, boasting an impressive complex of ancient architecture. The existing 61 ancient buildings are all constructed with brick, wood, and stone. The exterior walls are built with granite (angular conglomerate) at the base and grey-blue interlocking bricks above, while the interiors feature stone-paved floors and wooden structures. The beams and pillars are thick and sturdy, with double-beam constructions, and feature carved lattice windows. The layout of the residences typically consists of one or two courtyards, with halls and side rooms, all thoughtfully arranged according to the terrain, creating spacious and well-lit spaces. The lanes between houses are neatly planned, drainage systems are unobstructed, and the houses are densely yet orderly arranged in varying heights.

Architectural Features of Ming Dynasty Residences: Exterior walls often feature five-section “mountain-style” gables, with arched main beams in the inner halls, wooden pedestals for pillars that are often carved into pendant or upright lotus shapes, and through-arches with overhanging eaves. Bracket arms (que ti) are generally not used, and window frames are carved with simple yet refined designs. Architectural Features of Qing Dynasty Residences: Most retain the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty but adopt the post-and-lintel (chuandou) construction method without overhanging eaves. Bracket arms (que ti) begin to appear, often carved in cloud-and-tiger motifs, and pillar bases are typically stone drum-shaped. The layout of halls and rooms is compact and highly functional, with fewer enclosed spaces.

Through generations of careful stewardship, the village maintains a neat and tidy appearance, with lush green trees, fragrant grass, mirror-like waters, clean streets, ancient homes, and cultural relics, making it a renowned scenic heritage site of the region. Attractions such as the bronze statue of Minister Wan in Wanfang Garden, the Daoguang-era ancient well, the Bidada Gate, the Golden List Flagpole Stone, the Carp Pond, the Double Virtue Memorial Archway, the Eighteen Slopes, and the Ming and Qing ancient architectural complexes all showcase the profound historical and cultural heritage of Sanjiang.