Ancient Commercial City — Opium Den

Ancient Commercial City — Opium Den

The opium den was built in the second year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1797). It is a single-courtyard, two-story wooden building constructed using the post-and-lintel method. It features double gates, is situated on higher ground, and is surrounded by “fireproof walls.” The side walls are horse-head gables. The wall of the main gate serves both as a courtyard wall and a screen wall, with a “Fu” (blessing) character composed of a dragon and phoenix inscribed on it. Below the courtyard, there is a peace vat (tài píng gāng) engraved with poppies and the character “shòu” (longevity), symbolizing “high blessings and longevity (or high opium quality).” Its structural framework exhibits typical industry characteristics and holds significant scientific, artistic, and research value. The key protection zone extends 20 meters outward in all directions from the foundation wall. The construction control area extends an additional 30 meters outward in all directions from the outer edge of the key protection zone.