The Xinyi Ancient Residential Complex

The Xinyi Ancient Residential Complex

The Xinyi Ancient Residential Complex is a cultural heritage site protected by Chenzhou City.

The Xinyi Ancient Residential Complex is located in the suburbs of Yizhang County, 1.5 kilometers from Yizhang Avenue. The entire complex is a single grand structure, mainly composed of horizontally arranged three-courtyard, sky-well style complexes. The Wu Family Courtyard spans over 20 acres and contains 108 rooms, which can house 48 families with more than 200 people at once. Notably, the inner courtyard features eight towering horse-head walls that rise like peaks into the clouds, presenting an awe-inspiring and majestic sight. The complex can host over 100 banquet tables without needing to step outside. The craftsmanship throughout the courtyard is exquisite — the horse-head walls vary in height yet are neatly arranged, while the upturned eaves on both sides soar like wild geese in flight. All doors and windows in the courtyard are adorned with carved patterns, featuring a complete array of the “Three Carvings” (wood, brick, and stone carving) themes, making the entire compound a veritable treasure trove of art. Its architectural design and environmental awareness were remarkably advanced for the time. The layout includes the front courtyard, corridor wings, middle courtyard, main building, and rear garden. Longitudinally, the main hall serves as the central axis, with symmetrical structures on both sides. The main building incorporates five large and small sky wells, all connected via hidden drainage channels that direct water flow to the farmland in front of the courtyard, ensuring excellent lighting and ventilation. There are six vertical alleys and one horizontal alley within the main building. The main building and corridor wings are connected via projecting towers on both sides. Three meters away from the left and right sides of the main building and corridor wings are designated areas for cowsheds, toilets, and pestle mills, ensuring hygienic living conditions free from flies and mosquitoes. The design of this ancient residence and the environmental consciousness it embodies are truly unique among the historic residences of southern Hunan.

Yuxi Town: Located at the foot of Qitian Mountain in the “Five Ridges,” Yuxi Town in Yizhang County is the seat of the county’s Party committee and government. It borders Pingshi Town of Lechang City to the south, Liaojiawan Township of Suxian District in Chenzhou to the north, Wuling Town and Baishidu Town to the east, and Matian Town and Meitian Town to the west. The town administers 24 administrative villages and 4 community neighborhood committees, covering a total area of 278.6 square kilometers with a population of 84,200, including over 40,000 migrants. [1] The area is served by National Highway 107, Provincial Highway S324, the Beijing–Zhuhai Expressway, and the Yizhang–Fenghuang Expressway, ensuring convenient transportation. Within the urban area are Democracy Road, Civilization Road, … More detailed information about Yuxi Town++

Further Reading:

· The Third Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Chenzhou City