Jingtai "Xilu" Residential House

Jingtai "Xilu" Residential House

The Jingtai "Xilu" Residential House is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Era: Qing Dynasty

Type: Ancient Architecture

Address: Within Jingtai Natural Village, Jingtai Village Committee, Shibi Town, Anyi County, Jiangxi Province

Introduction:

The Jingtai "Xilu" Residential House is located within Jingtai Natural Village, Jingtai Village Committee, Shibi Town, Anyi County, Jiangxi Province. It was initially built in the 50th year of the Qianlong reign (1785) and completed in the 3rd year of the Daoguang reign (1823), spanning the reigns of three emperors: Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang. It took three generations of two families a total of 38 years to complete. The homeowner, Liu Zhangda, also known as Xianting, was an honorary prefectural judge and posthumously awarded the title of "Fengzhi Dafu" (an honorary official rank assisting the prefect). His eldest son, Liu Huasong, was an honorary judicial officer ranked second class, while his second son, Liu Huajie, held the honorary literary rank of "Rulin Lang," a sixth-rank civilian position. Liu Zhangda ran an official mint in Wucheng during the Qianlong era, and by the Jiaqing era, his eldest son Liu Huasong had joined him in managing the business. The father and son duo amassed wealth through this enterprise and built these properties back in their hometown.

The Jingtai "Xilu" covers an area of over 6,700 square meters. Facing south and situated to the north, it is a widely renowned luxurious residence of a wealthy merchant, consisting of 30 houses with clearly divided functions, rational layouts, and uniquely arranged structures. With rooms within rooms and deep courtyards, it represents the essence of Qing Dynasty rural architecture in the Jiangnan region. Part of it was burned down during the Taiping Rebellion, but around 3,000 square meters remain today, including 28 courtyards.

The Jingtai "Xilu" is a large-scale, integrated complex of architecture and garden design, characteristic of the mansions of wealthy families in Jiangnan villages. The houses have clearly divided purposes and well-planned layouts, including spaces for the owners’ residence and receptions, religious worship, private schooling and leisure, storage, and servant quarters. The interior wood carvings are noble, elegant, and exquisitely crafted. It is a typical representation of ancient Jiangnan rural architecture, notable for its craftsmanship and high research value.

Jingtai Village: Jingtai Village...... More details about Jingtai Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province