Dabu Guanglu Mansion

Dabu Guanglu Mansion

The Dabu Guanglu Mansion is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Guanglu Mansion

The former residence of Zhang Bishi, "Guanglu Mansion," was built in the 34th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (

1908), and the entire structure faces south with an earth-and-wood construction. It is ruggedly refined, grand in scale, and covers a building area of 4,180 square meters. The mansion is composed of three halls, four wings, and one enclosed courtyard, representing a type of Hakka walled dragon house. The residence includes 18 halls, 13 courtyards, 99 rooms, as well as front and rear gardens and a study. The entire architecture showcases exquisite craftsmanship, with integrated paintings and carvings. The bracket sets on both sides of the central hall feature pierced and gilded qilin, phoenixes, and other birds and beasts. The bracket sets on both sides of the main hall are adorned with gilded wooden carvings of lions rolling balls, while the lintel of the main gate features plaster relief of the name “Guanglu Mansion,” inscribed by Li Hongzhang.

Central Hall and Upper Hall of Guanglu Mansion

The Central Hall served as the space for receiving guests, family gatherings, and discussions. It is also the most exquisitely designed architectural space within the mansion. The pierced and gilded qilin, phoenixes, and other birds and beasts are remarkably lifelike, and the screens in the side rooms are intricately carved, splendidly gilded, all reflecting the luxurious style of a business tycoon of his time. Currently, the Central Hall also hosts exhibitions displaying the life and achievements of Zhang Bishi along with related pictorial and textual materials. It also features reproductions of the original plaques, lanterns, and other decorative items. The Upper Hall is where the spirit tablet of Zhang Bishi was placed for worship. The first room on the left side of the Upper Hall served as Zhang Bishi’s living quarters, while the side rooms were reception rooms furnished with — beds.

Hakka Folk Culture and Changyu Wine Culture Exhibition Hall

The Hakka Folk Culture and Changyu Wine Culture Exhibition Hall is located in the first row of wing rooms to the left of the “Guanglu Mansion.” The lower hall and central room on the first floor serve as the Hakka Folk Culture exhibition area, displaying images related to Hakka folk culture, with special emphasis on showcasing the various styles of Hakka residences and folk activities in Dabu. The upper hall on the first floor functions as the Changyu Wine Culture exhibition area, featuring historical photos and product artifacts from the Changyu Winemaking Company spanning over a hundred years.

Zhang Bishi

Zhang Bishi (1841–1916), whose given name was Zhenxun, was a native of Che Long Village, Xihé, Dabu County. As a young man, he engaged in business in Nanyang (Southeast Asia), established enterprises, and earned substantial profits, gaining fame both at home and abroad. During the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, he served as consul in Penang and later as consul general in Singapore. In the 29th year of Guangxu, he had an audience with Emperor Guangxu and was awarded the titles of Taipu Shiqing and Guanglu Daifu. In the early years of the Republic of China, Zhang Bishi was appointed as an adviser to President Yuan Shikai’s office, senior adviser to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, envoy to Nanyang, legislative council member, senator, and president of the National Chamber of Commerce Federation, among other positions. Zhang Bishi was not only a business magnate but also a renowned patriotic overseas Chinese leader and one of the Eight Sages of the Hakka people. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to national development through industry, and patriotic philosophy of “being born as a member of the Chinese nation, one must serve the Chinese people” have always been widely praised.

On October 7, 2019, the Dabu Guanglu Mansion was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units