Chetian Sima Mansion

Chetian Sima Mansion

Chetian Sima Mansion is located in Chetian Natural Village, Jilong Village, Shuichun Town, Luhe County, Shanwei City, Guangdong Province. It was first built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, facing southeast and situated northwest, with a total width of 49.2 meters, a depth of 31.6 meters, and a land area of 1,555 square meters.

Chetian Sima Mansion is a “five-up five-down” structure with two wing rooms and one main gate tower, along with a gate tower on the left outer wing room and a main building consisting of seven bays and 24 rooms, plus 18 rooms in the left outer wing room. The main structure features a flush gable roof, rammed gray walls, and a timber-frame earthen and tile construction. The main gate tower bears a grey-plastered plaque inscribed with “Leyang Gate.” It is a two-story building with an internal wooden staircase, wooden plank flooring on the second floor, a hip-and-gable roof, green tile ornaments, floral wood carvings on the eaves, and sighting holes on all four walls. The front porch is supported by two stone pillars and carved wood, with a single-step beam frame featuring exquisite wood carvings. The wall frieze paintings are finely detailed, vibrant, and lifelike. The front hall is five bays wide (30.1 meters) and 4.2 meters deep, covering a construction area of 126.4 square meters.

In the rear hall, a glazed lamp bestowed by the Qing imperial court and a wooden plaque inscribed with “Sima Mansion” hang from the beams. The rear hall is five bays wide (30.1 meters) and 6.05 meters deep, with a construction area of 182 square meters. The front porch is supported by stone walls and beams, with finely detailed carvings on the beams.

Source: Luhe County Local Chronicles Network