Ancient Ming and Qing Architecture in Yuku

　　Yuku Village, located in the northern part of the county and about 10 kilometers from the city center, is a well-preserved large ancient village from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nestled among mountains and embraced by water, it boasts a beautiful environment filled with an ancient charm.

　　The Li Clan Ancestral Hall and the Li Clan Mansion, situated at the foot of Huanggushan Mountain in the village, were both built during the Guangxu era by Li Hengshi, a native of Yuku. Their grand ancient architecture and exquisite wood and stone carvings are truly breathtaking.

　　In the 26th year of the Guangxu reign (1900), Li Hengshi donated funds to construct the Li Clan Ancestral Hall, covering an area of 1,680 square meters. It consists of five sections: the main stage, viewing stands, main hall, corridor hall, and ancestral hall. Additionally, there are auxiliary rooms spanning over 860 square meters, including the main hall, free school, tea and wine hall, and millhouse. The building uses blue stones, blue bricks, clay tiles, and timber as decorative materials. The curved dragon patterns on the clay tile roof look like flying birds up close and grass dragons from afar—graceful in form and vivid in imagery. The interior layout is unique, with rainwater collected from the roof channeled into the central courtyard drain, known as "four waters converging in the hall." The column bases, shaped like vases, are exquisitely carved. The main beams are crafted following the natural curves of the wood, showing remarkable craftsmanship. This architectural complex combines an ancestral hall, free school, and theater building, featuring a distinctive local style, high artistic value, and is indeed a rare gem of traditional ethnic architecture.

　　The former residence of Li Hengshi was built in the 31st year of the Guangxu reign (1905), about 150 meters from the Li Clan Ancestral Hall, with a construction area of 1,380 square meters. It includes living quarters such as the corridor hall, main hall, ancestral hall, and side rooms, covering 680 square meters. There are also auxiliary rooms of about 700 square meters used by the housekeeper, servants, and kitchen staff. The interior structure of the residence is ingeniously designed, supported entirely by symmetrically spaced wooden pillars. The beams are uniformly sized and supported by gracefully arched wooden members. The corridor hall on each floor is partitioned by intricately carved lattice doors. The building is fully accessible on both upper and lower levels, with every window and door frame meticulously carved and adorned with painted gold designs. A stone-carved horizontal plaque above the main gate clearly reads “Guanglu Daifu” (Grand Master of Splendid Happiness). This luxurious mansion combines practicality with aesthetics and holds significant cultural heritage value.

　　Represented by the Li Clan Ancestral Hall and the Li Hengshi Residence, the ancient Ming and Qing village of Yuku harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, embodying the Confucian philosophy of unity between man and nature. Serene and balanced, it blends the rustic with the refined, showcasing a human habitat in perfect harmony with nature—forming a complete and strikingly beautiful natural landscape painting.