Former Residence of Huang, the Minister of Rites

The Former Residence of Huang, the Minister of Rites

The Former Residence of Huang, the Minister of Rites, is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Guangdong Province.

The Former Residence of Huang, the Minister of Rites, is situated on the northern section of Xiping Road in the urban area of Chaozhou. It was the residence of Huang Jin, who served as the Minister of Rites in Nanjing during the Ming Dynasty, and is commonly known as “Sandazun.” Huang Jin was from Raoping but lived in the prefectural city of Chaozhou. The residence was first built during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1628–1644). It faces south with a width of 50 meters and a depth of 77.5 meters, covering an area of 4,200 square meters. It is a three-courtyard hall-style residence. There are side lanes on the east and west sides that connect to the rear annexes, forming a layout similar to the longitudinal, interconnected style of a traditional courtyard house. The architectural structure is rigorous, constructed with wood, lime, sand, and brick. Interior beams, pillars, doors, windows, roof tiles, and various decorative patterns all exhibit the craftsmanship characteristics of the Ming Dynasty. The main gate faces east towards Xiping Road, and a second gate facing west towards Daying Street was later added, called the “New Gate.” Originally, there was a “Decree Book Tower” built above the eastern main gate, which served as a library but was later destroyed in a fire, and its original appearance has since been altered. Between the east and west gates is a spacious courtyard, with a central gate directly north of the courtyard, which is the main entrance to the principal buildings of the residence. The main gate faces south and has a pair of stone drums in front. Opposite the gate, there used to be a memorial archway, with the inscription “Léi Cháo Yuán Lǎo” (Veteran Statesman Across Dynasties) on the north side and “Sān Dá Zūn” (Three Supreme Honors) on the south side (from which the residence’s common name is derived), bestowed by the Qing government. This archway has now been completely demolished. The main structure has withstood over 300 years of weathering and remains fully preserved to this day.

In 1987, it was listed as a Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Chaozhou City.

Huang Jin (1589–1671), courtesy name Fuyuan, also known as Tong’an. His ancestors had migrated from Fujian to Dacheng in Xuanchua District, Raoping (now Shanghuang Village, Dacheng Town, Raoping County) several generations prior. By the time of Huang Jin’s grandfather, Huang Yunde, the family had become quite affluent. In the 40th year of the Jiajing reign (1562), Japanese pirates raided Dongli (a general term for the Zhelin Peninsula area of Raoping during the Ming Dynasty) from the sea, and the Huang family suffered greatly. Huang Yunde then took refuge in Dacheng Suo and led local villagers in resisting the pirates. Outnumbered, he was captured but refused to yield, ultimately taking his own life by hanging in defiance. The family’s wealth was completely looted. Huang Jin’s father, Huang Susheng, led the family to restore their reputation and fortunes. He himself… [More details about Huang Jin]++

Shangxiping Road Community: Shangxiping Road Community… [More details about Shangxiping Road Community]++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units