Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, Likeng Village (理坑村) is renowned for its deep-rooted tradition in Neo-Confucianism, earning it the title of “the source of Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism.” The village’s long-standing emphasis on scholarly pursuits and moral education has resulted in an impressive legacy: 36 high-ranking officials, 16 imperial examination champions, and 92 scholars and literati have hailed from this village. Their contributions include 333 works comprising 582 volumes, with five works consisting of 78 volumes incorporated into the prestigious “Siku Quanshu” (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries). Likeng is thus celebrated as a cradle of Neo-Confucianism, a hub of scholar-officials, and a village rich in literary achievements.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
Location and Transportation
Likeng Village is located in Tuchuan Township, Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province. To reach Likeng Village, you can take a direct bus from Wuyuan Bus Station. The bus ride typically costs around 19 yuan.
Architectural Treasures
Likeng Village is home to 134 ancient residences, of which 130 remain well-preserved. These include 24 from the Ming Dynasty and 106 from the Qing Dynasty. The village also boasts three ancestral halls and nine stone bridges dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Among the notable buildings are:
Tianguan Shangqing Residence: Built by Yu Maoheng, a Ming Dynasty Minister of Personnel, after his retirement, this residence served as a private home and a place to receive distinguished guests. The name “Tianguan Shangqing” highlights Yu Maoheng’s high official rank, with “Tianguan” symbolizing a lofty position and “Shangqing” being an honorific title for high-ranking officials. The residence features a north-facing “eight-character gate,” indicative of the owner’s status, and is comprised of three main halls with side wings.
Shangshu Residence: This residence, over 400 years old, belonged to Xu Maoxue, a Minister of Works during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Located at the center of the village, it exemplifies the grandeur of Ming Dynasty architecture.
Sima Residence: The home of Yu Weishu, an early Qing Dynasty official, this residence faces east and features three floors, polished blue-brick walls, and unique brick arches adorned with lingzhi fungus motifs. The entrance is marked by the inscribed “Sima Residence,” reflecting Yu Weishu’s official rank. The residence consists of three main sections with intricately carved beams depicting floral patterns and dramatic scenes.
Miss Tower: Constructed in the late Qing Dynasty, the Miss Tower is a quintessential example of Huizhou-style residential architecture. Its exterior is simple and elegant, while the interior showcases meticulous layout and exquisite carvings. The courtyard includes a small garden with a “beauty lean” where ladies could enjoy the view and the moonlight.
