Hu Zongxian Shangshu Mansion

　　Situated in the center of Longchuan Village, Jixi, Anhui, Hu Zongxian Shangshu Mansion was inhabited by 12 generations of the Hu family, from Hu Zongxian to the "Bing" generation. Longchuan Village is shaped like a boat, with Longxu Mountain rising to the east, Fenghuang Mountain guarding the west, and the Dengyuan River and Longchuan River converging and embracing each other in front of the village—making it a piece of land where dragons and tigers lie hidden. The Shangshu Mansion site occupies the helm position of the boat, making it the most geomantically auspicious spot in Longchuan.

　　The Hu Zongxian Shangshu Mansion in Longchuan features white walls, black tiles, and is surrounded by green waters, creating a picturesque scene. Spanning five hundred years of history, it showcases the mystery and magic of ancient Huizhou culture. Step into the 5,000-square-meter mansion, which resembles a small society, with structures such as the Shan Tang Hall, Official Hall, Meilin Pavilion, Hu Family Well, Embroidery Tower, Huizhou Opera Garden, Songgong Ancestral Hall, Wenchang Pavilion, Children’s Learning Hall, Earth God Temple, Medical Clinic, Hu Gong Temple, Jiahui Tower, Yangxin Pavilion, Fish Pavilion, and Luming Study, all interplaying with numerous small courtyards. Together, they form an intricate maze-like luxury residence with crisscrossing lanes and pathways. At its peak, up to seven generations of the family lived here under one roof, enjoying the convenience of a private school, opera performances, access to doctors, and ancestral worship—all without leaving the compound. It can be said that the Shangshu Mansion is the best-preserved, grandest in scale, and most structurally complex Ming Dynasty architectural complex in ancient Huizhou, as well as the most representative official mansion of the region.

　　If the wood carvings of the Forbidden City in Beijing embody the majesty and boldness of the imperial style, then those of the Hu Zongxian Shangshu Mansion in Longchuan exhibit the refined elegance of folk art. The exquisitely carved details on windows, partitions, and beams transport you into an ancient artistic realm. Combined with timeworn wooden structures, traditional Huizhou-style furnishings, tranquil alleyways, cobblestone paths beneath your feet, and fine gray bricks and tiles, soaring eaves, intricate brick and stone carvings above, as well as the scattered horse-head walls and decorative carvings of mythical creatures like ao fish—all lifelike—you may feel as though time has reversed, instantly taking you back to the familial warmth of the Ming Dynasty.

　　Professor Ruan Yisan, Director of the National Research Center for Historic Cities and member of the Expert Committee for the Protection of Historic and Cultural Cities across China, spoke highly after his visit: “The Shangshu Mansion is a very typical representation of an important feature of Huizhou architecture, as well as of the distinctive, culturally rich families of the time. The architecture is finely detailed, with meticulous craftsmanship everywhere, offering scenic views at every turn. It is the best-preserved ancient building in Huizhou—a true masterpiece!”

　　Here, you can with great interest explore what is commonly known as the “Twenty-Four Gateways,” visit the ancestral home of the Hu family, read the Hu family genealogy, wander through the luxurious maze, and appreciate the six unique aspects of Huizhou culture represented in the Shangshu Mansion.

　　Hu Zongxian (1512–1565), courtesy name Ruzhen, also known as Meilin, passed the imperial examination as a Jinshi in the 17th year of the Jiajing reign. When serving as the Prefect of Hangzhou, he renovated West Lake and expanded Yue Fei’s Tomb. When Japanese pirates harassed the southeastern coast, Hu Zongxian summoned Xu Wei, Wen Zhengming, and Qi Jiguang to resist them, eventually quelling the pirate threat. For these military achievements, he earned great honor, rising to the rank of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent and Minister of War. Historians have said, “Without Hu Zongxian, there would be no Qi Family Army.” Hu Zongxian’s life was illustrious. He authored the 13-volume Treatise on Maritime Defense, which includes detailed information on the geography, defenses, weaponry, and battles along the Zhejiang coast, and he was the first to incorporate Taiwan into Chinese territory.