Qikou Ancient Architectural Complex

Qikou Ancient Architectural Complex

The Qikou Ancient Architectural Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Qikou Ancient Architectural Complex

Qikou Ancient Architectural Complex (Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Ming to Qing Dynasties

Address: Qikou Town, 50 km south of Lin County

East backed by Lüliang Mountain and west facing the Yellow River. Since the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, commerce flourished here, earning it the reputations of “the First Town along the Winding Yellow River” and “a small metropolis of both water and land transport hubs,” known far and wide. By the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, there were more than 60 commercial shops, and by the fifth year of the Republic of China (1916), the number had reached over 260. The oil stains on the doorframes of surviving old shops such as Yongyu Hao, Yongshun Dian, Tianjuyi, and Xinyiyuan offer a glimpse into the bustling scene of Qikou in its heyday.

Qikou preserves seven well-preserved ancient residential architectural complexes from the Ming and Qing Dynasties: Xiwan Village, Qikou, Gaoping, Zijiashan, Yuanshang, Zhaizishan, and Lijia Mountain. Heilong Temple is located on Wohu Mountain in Qikou Town. Established in the Ming Dynasty, it underwent renovations during the Qing Qianlong and Daoguang reigns as well as the Republican era. Its main structures include the Main Hall and the Stage, covering a total area of 1,219 square meters.

The ancient town of Qikou was extensively developed starting from the early Qing Dynasty, forming a layout consisting of three main streets along with numerous residences, merchant houses, shops, inns, temples, and more. The Old Street of Qikou, often hailed as the “Five-Li Long Street,” winds along and is paved with bluestone. Shops line the street, while quadrangle courtyards in the Ming and Qing styles are scattered in an orderly fashion. Shop signs inscribed by notable figures, the upturned eaves and brackets of the buildings, as well as the intricate brick carvings, all showcase the profound cultural heritage and artistic charm of the region.

As an important water transport hub in the middle reaches of the Yellow River from the Qing Dynasty to the Republican era, the ancient town of Qikou, together with its surrounding historic villages and trade routes, exemplifies the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature on the Loess Plateau. It holds outstanding global cultural and historical value.

Qikou Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Lin County. In 1958, the Qikou Commune was established, and in 1984, it was restructured as a town. It lies 48 km from the county seat, covering an area of 58.31 square kilometers with a population of 20,000. It is accessible by road. The town administers Xishanshang, Xiashangzhai, Xiangcaogang, Xigaojiaping, Fanjiagou, Yaochangli, Gaojiazhuang, Houtai, Xiwan, Zhaizishan, Xitou, Fengjiata, Mapiaomao, Nanliujiali, Nanyuanshang, HuaiShuwa, Xiangyang, Xiatashang, Gegengshang, Zhongcaita, Nangeitou, Huangjiayu, Huojiagou, Chenjiashan, Chenjiageao, Mugua, Chenjiayuan, Qianlijia, Henanping, Xiānqiánhoushan, Nanfengjiahui… More detailed information about Qikou Town ++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units