Tianshui Folk Museum (Nanzhai Mansion)

Tianshui Folk Museum (Nanzhai Mansion)

The Hu Family Residence, also known as the North-South Mansions, is located on Minzhu West Road in Qinzhou District, standing on opposite sides of the street. In 2001, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council. Nanzhai Mansion was the private residence of Hu Laiji, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Ming Dynasty and later the Deputy Surveillance Commissioner of Shanxi. Nanzhai Mansion was built in the 37th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1558) and completed in the first year of the Longqing reign (1567). It has been continuously used by descendants of the Hu family since its construction. In 1956, an archaeological survey was conducted by the Gansu Provincial Cultural Relics Management Committee. On February 11, 1963, it was designated as a County-Level Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the Gansu Provincial People’s Committee. On September 10, 1981, it was designated as a Gansu Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the Gansu Provincial People’s Government.

In July 2001, it was declared a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council. On May 12, 2004, the Qinzhou District government relocated 36 households within the compound and handed over Nanzhai Mansion to the management of the Tianshui Museum. Nanzhai Mansion fully preserves the layout and architectural style of residential buildings from the Ming to Qing dynasties, serving as an important example for studying ancient residential architecture in China’s northwestern region. It provides valuable and abundant historical material for researching Tianshui’s historical evolution and folk customs. Its scientific, historical, and artistic value is unique in Gansu Province and rare nationwide. Especially after the completion of the protection and restoration of Nanzhai Mansion, the city established the Tianshui Folk Museum while maintaining the original ancient architectural layout and style. The municipal government also decided to allocate 300,000 yuan annually from the municipal budget to collect folk items. To date, more than 1,000 pieces have been collected. With folk items as its main content, Nanzhai Mansion will become a key venue and center for displaying, exchanging, and researching the distinctive culture of the Tianshui area. Its ancient architectural style and profound cultural significance also make it an important cultural tourism site in the city and a key location for patriotic education.

Suggested Duration

1 hour

Transportation

Take Bus No. 1 to Department Store Station, Bus No. 5 to Qinzhou Bus Station, or Bus No. 6 to North Central Square Station, then walk to the site. It is also within walking distance from the Fuxi Temple.

Admission Fee

Present a valid ID at the ticket office to exchange for a free admission ticket, which must be shown for entry.

Opening Hours

9:00–17:00; ticket exchange stops at 16:30

Location

Minzhu West Road, Qinzhou District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province