House of the Huangcheng Chancellor, Historical residence in Yangcheng County, China
The House of the Huangcheng Chancellor is a large residential complex in Yangcheng County with 16 courtyards and around 640 rooms arranged in inner and outer sections. The buildings blend Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles throughout the interconnected compound.
The complex was built during the Qing Dynasty as a home for scholar Chen Tingjing, and in 1703 it received imperial recognition through a special edict from Emperor Kangxi. This imperial honor made the residence a symbol of the status and influence held by educated officials of that era.
The residence shows Confucian values through how it is divided into different zones for family members and guests, reflecting the social order of educated families. Walking through these spaces, visitors can see how daily life and household relationships were shaped by these principles.
The best way to experience the site is to move through the different courtyards slowly, which will help you understand how the layout and separate zones functioned. Take time to observe the connecting passages between sections to appreciate the full scale and organization of the compound.
The complex displays stone inscriptions presented directly by the emperor, including the title 'Wuting Mountain Village' and carefully composed poetic couplets in his own hand. This personal imperial gift sets the residence apart from other elite homes and reflects the exceptional favor shown to its owner.
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