Zhaojiazhuang Village at Nanmen

Zhaojiazhuang Village at Nanmen

Zhaojiazhuang Village at Nanmen is located in the northern part of Doumen District, with a registered population of 84 people. The village was first established in the early years of the Jiaqing reign and has a history of over 200 years. It was founded by Wei Mao, the eighth-generation descendant of the tenth-generation ancestor Yixiang of the Zhao family from Nanmen, who relocated here with his family from Nanbianli in Nanmen Township. Situated at the northern foot of Xiashan Mountain, it was initially called Jiexiazhuang. This area features a typical subtropical maritime climate with spring-like weather all year round, a crisscrossing network of rivers and streams, making it suitable for both farming and fishing — a rare and ideal place for human habitation. The village is blessed with talented individuals and has been home to many notable figures throughout history.

By the mid-Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, Jiexiazhuang had already grown into a large-scale, lavishly decorated, and highly prosperous village. Since all the residents were members of the Zhao clan, it came to be known as “Zhaojiazhuang.” The houses were designed in the style of Xiguan in Guangzhou and were built by renowned architects from Foshan at the time, featuring scientific and orderly layouts. A 132-meter-long, 4.3-meter-wide stone-paved street runs through the entire village. There is also a three-courtyard ancestral hall named Chongjitang (also known as the “Zhao Family School”), covering an area of 1,000 square meters. The southern side of the village is enclosed by a protective moat, green bamboo groves, and a four-meter-high wall. Outside the village, a Xishan Ancestral Temple was built within the woods. The entire village had five gateways, each manned by a guard. Nestled among green hills, clear waters, bamboo groves, and flowers, the estate resembled a paradise on earth.

The management of Zhaojiazhuang emphasized self-discipline and placed great importance on Confucian ethics. The moral maxim “In the courtyard of the pear tree, filial piety and friendship thrive; in the laurel garden, great literary works blossom” was hung high in Chongjitang. People of all ages valued unity, observed proper etiquette, and maintained harmonious neighborly relations. These fine traditions have continued to this day. The village’s rituals, weddings, and other customs were remarkable and had a profound influence on surrounding villages within a hundred-mile radius, many of which imitated them.

The Zhao family built their wealth through commerce and accumulated substantial assets. Some family members even held official positions, such as Huang Huaisen, the then Governor of Guangxi, who was related by marriage to the Zhao clan. As a result, the family enjoyed immense power and prosperity, flourishing magnificently for decades. The saying “Zhaojiazhuang could rival Xiangshan County” has been passed down to this day, testifying to its significant influence at the time. By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, the family began to decline. Currently, the basic appearance of the village has been largely preserved, with 14 ancient houses remaining, covering a total construction area of over 7,000 square meters. In December 2007, it was designated as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Doumen by the municipal and district tourism authorities. In 2008, it was recognized as a Guangdong Provincial Ancient Village.

Source: Doumen District Bureau of Culture and Tourism