Longhu Ancient Village Architectural Complex

Longhu Ancient Village Architectural Complex

The Longhu Ancient Village Architectural Complex is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Guangdong Province.

Longhu Ancient Village Architectural Complex (including the Xu Ancestral Hall, Lin Ancestral Hall, Widow’s Ancestral Hall, Shihe Ancestral Hall, Rulin Mansion, Xuanxiang Xu Residence, Fumao Compound, and Fangbo Mansion)

Longhu Ancient Village is situated on the western bank of the middle and lower reaches of the Han River, right beside the highway. With a history of over 1,000 years, it still retains more than 100 ancient buildings. The village is filled with deep courtyards, and ancient banyan trees with sprawling roots can be seen throughout.

Upon entering the gate of Longhu Ancient Village, you’ll find orderly streets and alleys, countless ancestral halls and residences, and deep courtyards, along with ancient banyan trees with twisted roots scattered everywhere. The ancient village has crisscrossing lanes and numerous renowned mansions and grand ancestral halls...

The layout of the ancient village is meticulously planned, designed by ancestors according to the principles of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. The central straight street resembles a “dragon’s spine,” and with the Han River and surrounding ponds encircling the village, it is thus named “Longhu” (Dragon Lake). To the east of the main street are three lanes, and to the west are six alleys, forming a neat pattern of “three streets and six lanes.” Within these lanes, there are over 100 ancestral halls, residences of notable officials, and mansions of wealthy merchants and gentry, many of which have five or even ten courtyards in depth.

Longhu Ancient Village is a place where multiple surnames coexist. As a result, some study halls are named after family clans and their prestigious origins, such as the “Jiangxia Family School” of the Huang clan, the “Gaoyang Family School” of the Xu clan, and the “Xiao Family Study” of the Xiao clan. However, more are named by local gentry or scholars who passed imperial examinations, such as “Pear Blossom Poetry Studio,” “Read My Book House,” “Classic Embrace Studio,” “Rain Flower Retreat,” and “Fragrant Joy Study Room.” The names of these study halls are rich in meaning and charm, reflecting that Longhu Ancient Village must have been a place that deeply valued education and respected teachers.

1. Xu Ancestral Hall — Mid-section of the Straight Street, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

2. Lin Ancestral Hall — End section of the Straight Street, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

3. Widow’s Ancestral Hall — North section of the Straight Street, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

4. Shihe Ancestral Hall — End section of the Straight Street, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

5. Rulin Mansion — No. 14, Fuxing Road, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

6. Xuanxiang Xu Residence — No. 7, Fuxing Road, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

7. Fumao Compound — No. 9, Longqing Road, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

8. Fangbo Mansion — No. 26, Longqing Road, Longhu Ancient Village, Longhu Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou City

In 2012, it was announced by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province as part of the seventh batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units.

Longhu Town: Covering an area of 20.1 square kilometers, Longhu Town administers 15 village committees and one neighborhood committee, with a current population of 55,123. In 2002, the town’s industrial output value reached 890 million yuan, an increase of 11.4%, with foreign trade export value of 18 million US dollars and industrial and commercial tax revenue of 13.31 million yuan.

Longhu Town is rich in cultural heritage and boasts numerous historical sites. Longhu Ancient Village, located in Shitou and Shiwu villages, is a relatively well-preserved ancient architectural complex. The village contains numerous historic mansions and grand ancestral halls, with profound cultural heritage, abundant cultural relics, strong local characteristics, and famous specialty products... More details about Longhu Town ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units