Xiamei Ancient Residence – A Picturesque Village

One of the most striking features of Xiamei Ancient Residence is its exquisite carvings in brick, stone, and wood, as well as the colorful wall paintings. These elements combine to create an artistic masterpiece that reflects the luxurious and prosperous life of its historical inhabitants.

Brick Carvings: Every entrance gate of the residences is adorned with intricate brick carvings, showcasing both relief and openwork techniques. The subjects of these carvings often draw from historical figures, mythical tales, and auspicious symbols from folklore. The detailed craftsmanship captures lifelike characters and natural environments, imbuing each carving with deep cultural significance and vibrant spirit.

Stone Carvings: Stone carvings are prominently used in functional and decorative elements such as foundation stones, door bases, stone drums, flower stands, pool railings, well heads, and water tanks. These carvings serve dual purposes as both practical objects and ornamental pieces, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship that marries utility with aesthetic appeal.

Wood Carvings: The wood carvings in Xiamei Ancient Residence are equally spectacular, found in beams, ceilings, furniture, railings, window lattices, and pillar bases. Among these, the window lattices stand out the most. These windows, often composed of four, six, or eight panels, feature intricate openwork patterns that maximize their artistic impact. Common motifs include popular animals, plants, human figures, and auspicious clouds, reflecting the traditional virtues of diligence, kindness, loyalty, and filial piety cherished by the local people.

A significant cultural landmark within Xiamei Ancient Residence is the Zou Clan Ancestral Hall, situated on the northern bank of Dangxi Stream. Built in the 55th year of the Qianlong reign (1790) during the Qing Dynasty, this hall occupies over 200 square meters and is constructed from brick and wood. It was funded by the Zou brothers, Maozhang and Yingzhang, to honor their ancestors.

Architecture and Design: The entrance of the hall features a mantelpiece-style design with symmetrical brick carvings. To emphasize the importance of familial and ancestral ties, the entrance is adorned with two engraved calligraphy pieces, “Wood Roots” and “Water Source,” symbolizing the interconnectedness of lineage and heritage. In front of the entrance, horse stones and stone drums serve as markers for descendants arriving to pay respects.

Interior and Decorations: Inside, the hall houses stele inscriptions detailing the clan’s history and ancestral rules. The main hall is open, flanked by side rooms, with an upstairs area serving as a stage for performances. The front corridor is supported by intricately carved wooden columns, capable of holding lanterns and floral decorations. A four-paneled wooden screen door, featuring carvings that depict ethical principles, ancestral traditions, and daily life, serves as the focal point. The distinctive double-wave firewalls add grandeur and majesty to the structure.

Located on North Street in Xiamei Village, Zou’s Grand Mansion is a Qing Dynasty building named after its owner, who was awarded the honorary title “中宪大夫 (Zhongxian Dafu)”. The mansion’s entrance is paved with blue stone, flanked by well-preserved hitching posts and flagpole bases. The entire façade of the main gate is adorned with elaborate brick carvings, depicting a variety of themes in lifelike detail. These carvings use a combination of relief and openwork techniques, creating a multi-layered and well-composed visual effect.

The side windows are embellished with wood carvings, featuring bats, flowers, and geometric patterns, adding a touch of opulence to the building. Inside the mansion, decorative wooden brackets, once gilded with gold characters and couplets, enhance the elegance of the interior. Each courtyard has two stone flower stands, one tall and one short, which add to the aesthetic appeal.

Behind the house lies a garden called “小樊川 (Xiaofanchuan),” designed in the style of a southern Chinese garden. The garden features a “Mirror Moon” terrace, a goldfish pond, a chess-playing platform, and stone flower stands. The garden is planted with luohan pines, and the embedded windows are decorated with double-sided floral brick carvings, creating a picturesque scene that evokes a sense of serene beauty. The spacious and bright architecture of Zou’s Grand Mansion reflects the wealth and prominence of its owner. It is one of the best-preserved ancient residences in Xiamei Village and was listed as a protected cultural relic in Fujian Province in 2000.

Dali Alley is located at the entrance of Fang’s Residence on North Street in Xiamei Village, adjacent to Fang’s “Sanjun Mansion.” The alley was constructed around 1755 during the 20th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign. At that time, descendants of Zou Maozhang, the wealthiest man in Xiamei, built their home south of Fang’s Sanjun Mansion. The back walls of both houses were close together, preventing the construction of a back door for either residence.

The Fang family, who served as military officers and had lost soldiers in battle, were honored for their loyalty and valor. However, they were financially impoverished. The Zou family, recognizing the Fang family’s contributions, frequently provided financial assistance. Grateful for their support, the Fang family agreed to give up part of their wall, allowing the Zou family to build a back door. The Zou family then constructed a 30-meter-long alley next to the Fang family’s eastern fire wall, spending several hundred taels of silver in the process. This alley was later named “Dali Alley,” meaning “Reasonable Alley,” symbolizing the mutual understanding and respect between the two families.

Tianyou Peak in Mount Wuyi

Nine-Bend Stream in Mount Wuyi

Wuyi Palace in Mount Wuyi

Dahongpao Scenic Area in Mount Wuyi