Former Residence of Deng Chengxiu (Huyuan Garden)

Former Residence of Deng Chengxiu (Huyuan Garden)

The former residence of Deng Chengxiu (Huyuan Garden) is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.

The former residence of Deng Chengxiu (Huyuan Garden) is located in Shangboziwei, Danshui Town, Huizhou City. Known as Huyuan, it is one of Deng Chengxiu’s residences, covering a total area of about 420 square meters and surrounded by walls. It was built in imitation of the traditional Beijing courtyard style. The east gate is inscribed with a stone plaque bearing the name “Huyuan.” Upon entering, there is a large courtyard, with winding corridors on both sides connecting the northern and southern buildings. The north side features a two-story building, the south side has a three-bay single-story house, and directly opposite the main entrance (i.e., along the north corridor) there is a pavilion in the middle, exuding an elegant and classic design. The entire structure preserves a wealth of artistic components: hanging lattices and horizontal panels adorned with various geometric patterns and floral motifs; eaves beams, brackets, and dougong (bracket arms) carved with floral designs, as well as bracket arms shaped like diamonds and vivid wooden lions. The eave boards are richly and delicately decorated with patterns of bats, the Eight Treasures, and plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo. The gable walls feature plaster reliefs of floral wreaths and ribbons, while the soffits display plaster carvings of mythical creatures such as the ao fish and dragon heads. The building remains largely intact.

Deng Chengxiu, a native of Huiyang County (now Huizhou City), passed the imperial examination at the provincial level (Juren) and rose to the position of Chief Ritual Official (Honglu Si Zhengqing). In 1885, following the victory at the Battle of Zhennanguan during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, Deng Chengxiu was appointed as the Sino-Vietnamese Border Demarcation Commissioner, tasked with defining the border between China and Vietnam.

On December 10, 2015, the former residence of Deng Chengxiu (Huyuan Garden) was approved and announced by the People's Government of Guangdong Province as part of the eighth batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units.

Danshui Subdistrict: Located at the core of the Huizhou Dan’ao Economic Corridor, Danshui Subdistrict boasts significant transportation and geographical advantages. Historically known as a place “thriving by the river and flourishing through fishing and salt,” it was once one of the most bustling commercial towns in the Dongjiang River basin. With a long history and rich cultural heritage, Danshui is a settlement of the Hakka people and has long valued culture, producing notable figures such as Deng Chengxiu and Deng Zhongyuan. The subdistrict has preserved much of its historic architecture, and its traditional streets are characterized by distinctive commercial features. It is home to 10 cultural relic protection units and 104 historic buildings, encompassing a variety of architectural types including temples, residences, ancestral halls, guildhalls, academies, and teahouses, with a wealth of cultural relics and historic sites... More details about Danshui Subdistrict ++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units