Zhuozi Majia Courtyard

Zhuozi Majia Courtyard

Walking into Majiagou, you can explore the Majia Courtyard, home to descendants of Empress Ma from the Ming Dynasty, and one of the few remaining ancient structures in Zhuozi County. Legend has it that Ma Dexing, a descendant of Empress Ma, was originally from Fengyang, Anhui. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, he joined the peasant uprising, fought alongside Zhu Yuanzhang in numerous battles, and achieved remarkable military feats. To honor his loyalty and achievements, Emperor Taizu of the Ming bestowed upon him an imperial edict known as the “Imperial Decree of the Mandate of Heaven,” which bears witness to the former glory and historical vicissitudes of the Majia descendants. This edict is now housed in the Inner Mongolia Museum. It is said that during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, descendants of the Majia family fled from Jingling to Dayushu, and the Majia Courtyard was constructed during the Yongzheng era. Research indicates that the west wing room and the San Shen Hall of Dayushu were built by the same group of artisans around the same time, while the rest of the buildings were completed in May of the fifth year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty. Majiagou got its name from the Majia Courtyard. The layout of the courtyard emphasizes principles of feng shui, with a concealed location and construction against the mountain. Covering an area of over 500 square meters, it is a typical northern Chinese quadrangle residence from the Qing Dynasty. Although different in architectural style from the Shanxi merchants' courtyards and not directly comparable, it features a clear division between main and auxiliary structures and complete functionality, with essential facilities including the main house, wing rooms, a private school room, and a mill room. In recent years, up to five households from the Majia family have lived in the courtyard. To the east of the Majia Courtyard, along the stream in the valley, there is an ancient stone-walled well known as the Majia Old Well, which was the exclusive water source for the Majia family. The well water is crystal clear, and there is a stone trough specially used for washing clothes and watering livestock. Less than 20 meters southeast of the well stands an ancient willow tree, which is said to be over a thousand years old. With its vast canopy providing ample shade and lush foliage, this is the legendary “Old Well and Willow.” The related tales and anecdotes are mysterious and touching...

Source: People's Government of Ulanqab City