House of the Huangcheng Chancellor
The House of the Huangcheng Chancellor [Photo/VCG]
The House of the Huangcheng Chancellor was once home to Chen Tingjing, a premier of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), teacher of the Emperor Kangxi, and editor-in-chief of the Kangxi Dictionary. As an eminent chancellor, Chen served the emperor for half a century.
Originally called Zhongdao Manor, the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor was later named Huangcheng (the Imperial city) after Emperor Kangxi twice visited the residential complex.
Built over 570 years ago, the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor had several renovations and expansions between 1501 and 1760, and came to cover 90,000 square meters with perimeter walls 1,700 meters long, nine entrances, 19 courtyards and over 1,000 rooms.
Consisting of both interior and exterior portions, the house is one of the largest residential complexes from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
The inner residential complex, built in the Ming Dynasty, consists of eight sections including the Imperial Censor Mansion, 125 tiered military mazes in a cave, the seven-story, 30.48-meter Heshan Tower, as well as Chunqiu Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion and the ancestral temple of the Chen family.
The exterior buildings and grounds, constructed after Chen Tingjing's appointment to premier, holds Yushu Tower, the Premier's Office, Dianhan Hall, Steward House, boudoirs, the Eastern Academy, West Park, Wanghe Pavilion, and the inner chambers of female residents.
With the blending of Ming and Qing architectural styles, the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor has a unique appearance drawing from styles used in ancient dwellings, official mansions, ancestral temples, academies and schools, and military fortifications. Exquisite brick, wood and stone carvings, and a huge collection of decorative articles dedicated to the emperors adorn the buildings and grounds.
The House of the Huangcheng Chancellor is a registered national 5A scenic spot.
Address: Beiliu town, Yangcheng county, Jincheng city, Shanxi province
Tel: 0356-4858062
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