Xiguan Da Lou: Fascinating Cultural Heritage of Qing Dynasty

#chinaattractions Xiguan Mansion was a large-scale residence built by wealthy merchants in Xiguan (now Liwan District), Guangzhou during the Qing Dynasty. It has strong Lingnan characteristics. Xiguan big houses usually cover an area of about 400 square meters and a depth of about 25 meters. The typical structure is “three-sided”, forming a symmetrical longitudinal axis.The halls are separated by patios, and the big houses are connected by Qingyun Lane. Historical background Xiguan Mansion flourished in the late Qing Dynasty and reached its peak in the mid-to-late 19th century and the 1920s. These large houses were mainly built by wealthy merchants and official families in Xiguan. They are full of Lingnan culture and show the architectural styles of the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. Architectural features Xiguan big houses are mostly brick-and-wood structures, with blue brick and stone feet, and granite inlays for the tall main entrance. Its plane layout is in the traditional form of a main hall, basically in the direction of depth. The typical plane is three rooms and two corridors, symmetrical to the left and right, with the main hall in the middle. The central axis is from front to back, from south to north, followed by the porch, entrance hall, sedan chair hall, main hall, first room, patio, second hall, and second room. Each hall has one entry, and generally the big house has two or three entries. Cultural significance Xiguan Mansion is not only a model of traditional houses in Guangzhou, but also a treasure of Lingnan architecture.Its architectural styles are mostly Chinese, with a ”three-sided" layout, three open rooms, three patios, hard mountain tops, sill windows, Ma Shi Street, patios, Qingyun Alley, wooden stairs, and various traditional Guangzhou decorations and carvings.Xiguan Mansion is not only a witness to history, but also a cultural inheritance. Status quo Due to historical changes, most of the Xiguan big houses no longer exist, and there are less than 10 existing ones. The Guangzhou Municipal People's Government has designated part of the area as the “Xiguan Big House Protected Area” to protect this precious cultural heritage.