CHINA’s long and complex history has given rise to 10 types of architecture. They not only fuse different structural and decorative forms, but are also influenced by Chinese concepts such as fengshui and yin and yang.
Kang Baiwan Manor
Located in Gongyi City in Henan Province, Kang Baiwan Manor is a rare stately home built in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) by landlord Kang Yingkui.
At the 64,300-square-meter manor, there are 33 compounds, 53 buildings, over 1,300 rooms, 73 caves, high and thick walls and even a pier to facilitate Kang’s businesses. The manor is divided into a dozen sections with different functions. There is also a wide variety of brick, wood and stone sculptures in vivid and fine shapes.
Kang Baiwan Manor prospered for more than 200 years and became one of the most impressive destinations in Henan Province. The manor boasts a large number of well-preserved antiques, bringing a large number of visitors to discover their cultural elements and research the life and work of the influential landlord.
It was placed under provincial protection in 1963 and later State protection in 2001. It is one of the three largest manors in China, 19 times the area of Qiao Family Compound.
Kang’s land and shops could be found in Shandong, Shaanxi and Henan provinces at that time. When Empress Dowager Cixi was fleeing Beijing to Xi’an in Shaanxi Province during the Battle of Beijing, Kang spent more than 1 million taels of silver to prepare accommodation and facilities for her. He also sent the same amount of silver as a tribute to the Qing government, asking Cixi to address him as Kang Baiwan (millionnaire), hence the name.
Transport: Fly to Zhengzhou City in Henan Province from Shenzhen International Airport, then take a bus to Gongyi City and Kang Baiwan Manor.
Cuisine: Chicken, dumplings, fish, sweet potatoes and corn are recommended.
Yulin Manor of Jiang Yaozu
Located in Mizhi County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, Yulin Manor of Jiang Yaozu is a rare form of cave architecture in northern Shaanxi.
It was the private residence of Jiang Yaozu of Qiaohecha Village in Mizhi. He was one of the richest men of his time, who invited a Beijing expert to design it. Construction of the manor lasted from 1874 to 1886.
The architecture spreads over a mountain and can be divided into lower, central and upper sections. The lower section is protected by a 9.5-meter-high stone wall, while connected to the central part by an 8 by 10 meter wall. Jiang built caves connecting the manor to the back of the mountain, allowing people to retreat in case of attacks.
The upper section is the soul of the architecture — a neat design, fine construction and a compact layout allow the manor to link every single corner together while protecting itself from attacks. There are caves of different functions, including bathrooms and studies.
Transport: Fly to Yulin City in Shaanxi Province from Shenzhen International Airport, then take a bus to Mizhi County and Yulin Manor of Jiang Yaozu.
Cuisine: Try noodles of different flavors, dumplings, mutton and snacks. Local dates and pumpkin seeds are particularly popular.
