Former Residence of Song Xiang

Former Residence of Song Xiang

The former residence of Song Xiang is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Guangdong Province.

The former residence of Song Xiang is located in Xianghu Village, Chuangle Village, Baidu Town, Meixian District. It consists of three halls, two main rooms, two corridors, and twenty-six rooms, covering an area of about 300 square meters. The residence was originally built during the Jiajing era (1522–1566) of the Ming Dynasty as one of the typical Hakka-style residential buildings. It earned the name “Xianghu” (Elephant Lake) because behind the fortress-like structure lies a mountain that resembles an elephant, while in front of the mountain lies a stretch of flat, lake-like land.

Having stood for over three hundred years, the residence has undergone renovations in various dynasties. During the Cultural Revolution’s campaign to eradicate the “Four Olds,” the gatehouse was demolished. In the winter of 1984, it was meticulously restored thanks to generous funding from Mr. Song Youxiang, a overseas Chinese and the grandson of Song Xiang. On both sides of the hall are 16 vermilion pillars flanking a screen inscribed with the characters “Jingzhao Hall” (京兆堂), while the outer gate bears a plaque reading “Tai Shi Di” (太史第). A plaque inscribed with “Former Residence of Song Xiang” was authored by Guo Qiaoran, Vice Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

The former residence of Song Xiang holds significance for commemorating local eminent figures, researching regional culture and education, as well as studying Hakka residential architecture. It is currently inhabited by descendants of the Song family. The residence also preserves a gravestone of Song Xiang and a colored portrait of him.

The protected area of the former residence of Song Xiang extends 31 meters to the east, 20 meters to the west, 20 meters to the south, and 56 meters to the north. The construction control zone extends 60 meters to the east, 50 meters to the west, to the mountain on the south, and 97 meters to the north.

Over the years, the Party Committee and government of Baidu Town have actively worked on the protection and development of the former residence of Song Xiang, conducting regular and irregular maintenance. The residents of Xianghu Village have also responded positively, joining the effort to protect cultural heritage by establishing a leading organization for the preservation of the former residence, ensuring daily maintenance.

On November 16, 1987, it was designated as a County-Level Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the Meixian County People's Government. In 2012, it was listed as part of the Seventh Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units by the Guangdong Provincial People's Government.

Song Xiang (1756–1826), courtesy name Huandang, art name Zhiwan, was a native of Xianghu Village, Baidu, Meixian. He began his education at the age of seven and was able to compose essays by the age of nine, often speaking in eloquent phrases.

In the 33rd year of the Qianlong reign (1768), he ranked first in the children’s examination of Jiaying Prefecture. The following year, he again placed first in the children’s academic test. Between 1770 and 1778, Song Xiang studied at home while also engaging in farming.

In 1778 (the 43rd year of Qianlong), he entered the Jiaying Prefecture Confucian School. In the same year, he passed the local scholar examination administered by the prefectural officials and educational commissioners. In 1792 (the 57th year of Qianlong)... More details about Song Xiang ++

Chuangle Village: Chuangle Village... More details about Chuangle Village ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units