Nanyang Building

　　Nanyang Building is situated at the foot of Shixing Mountain in Dadi Village, Xiandu Town, Hua’an County. As you approach it, the prominent sign reading “Fujian Tulou Museum” catches your eye. Constructed by Jiang Jingbang, the grandson of Jiang Shixiong—the founder of Er’yi Building—it was built in the first month (January in the lunar calendar) of the year Dingchou during the Jiaqing reign (1817), 47 years after the completion of Er’yi Building. With Er’yi Building as its reference model, Nanyang Building incorporates the architectural strengths and features of its predecessor, making it a miniature version of Er’yi Building. Moreover, its wood carvings and stone engravings are even more refined than those of Er’yi Building. Nanyang Building faces northwest and is situated southeast, covering an area of 3,100 square meters. It stands 13.25 meters tall with a diameter of 51.6 meters, consisting of four units. Each unit has seven bays, totaling 96 rooms. The interior currently displays well-preserved relics such as furniture, stationery, collectibles, and farming tools used by the original tulou owners, vividly recreating their daily life in the past.

　　As Zhuangzi said: “In the south there is a bird... that will not perch except on the tung tree, will not eat except the fruit of the parasol, and will not drink except from sweet springs.” The door of Nanyang Building is made from this “phoenix-perching wood,” demonstrating the exceptional quality of the materials used. The gate tower is built from finely polished granite, standing 5.99 meters high and 4 meters wide, with a door opening of 1.7 meters. All three gate tops are equipped with water tanks that, when filled during enemy attacks involving fire, can create a water curtain for defense.

　　The stone plaque of Nanyang Building is inscribed in semi-cursive script. The left alley gate plaque is engraved with “High Mountains,” while the right reads “Long Rivers,” both in powerful brushstrokes. On the left is inscribed small regular script “Jiaqing Dingchou,” and on the right “First Month, Erected.” The stonework of this building is exquisitely crafted, with the most refined being the drum-shaped stone pedestal in front of the ancestral hall. Its four sides are carved with dozens of auspicious beasts, divine birds, exotic fruits, and lucky plants—such as phoenixes, qilins, lions, deer, rabbits, cranes, horses, monkeys, messenger birds—as well as red peaches, lychees, pomegranates, Buddha’s hands, pines, bamboos, plums, magnolia, etc. These intricate carvings reflect the builder’s aspirations for a bright future and hopes for the prosperity of descendants. The base of the drum-shaped stone pedestal features a circular carving of the character “Shou” (longevity) on the front, beneath which is a mythical beast called “Tun,” known for devouring living beings. Legend says this beast was subdued by Guanyin and is now used to ward off evil and uphold righteousness. The beams and brackets of the ancestral hall are meticulously carved with exquisite flowers and auspicious beasts, dazzling to behold. In front of the hall, there is a pair of inverted lotus flowers with petals as thin as paper and visible seeds. Remarkably, the circumference of these inverted lotuses reaches 114 centimeters. Nanyang Building uses premium materials, including thick and sturdy timber. Even the two rafter beams on the roof in front of the main gate had their ends specially tapered into spindle shapes before they could be installed smoothly—testament to the exceptional craftsmanship involved.

　　From the first to the third floor, the wooden latticework and stairway woodwork of Nanyang Building are extremely delicate and remarkably well-preserved. Within a two-meter radius outside the central courtyard of Nanyang Building, there is a noticeable echo effect. When sound volume increases, a distinct pressure sensation can be felt in the eardrums, similar to the Echo Wall at the Temple of Heaven.

　　The surrounding ecological environment of Nanyang Building is excellent, featuring lush mountains and clear waters. The building backs onto Lion Mountain. It is said that a garden was once constructed behind the building. The former flower beds have now been turned into tea plantations, but a century-old camphor tree, a rosewood tree, and four ancient pines still stand behind the building as a natural barrier. In front of the building lies a vast lotus pond, offering a different kind of scenery. To the right of the building flows a small stream originating from the deep mountains of Xikeng Village in Anxi County. The stream has abundant water flow and crystal-clear water, with green bamboo planted along both banks. To the right of the building, remnants of a square building foundation remain. Elders say this was once a schoolhouse—truly a building paired with a study, reflecting how the Jiang family of Xiandu Town has always valued cultural learning. Nanyang Building also preserves a plaque inscribed with “Scholar of Letters,” commemorating a certain Jiang ×× who achieved the rank of deputy presented scholar in a certain year of the Guangxu reign.