Longchuan (龙川), historically known as Kengkou Village (坑口村), is located about 10 kilometers from Jixi County and is an ancient village in Huizhou. Due to its unique geographical environment and rich historical and cultural heritage, it boasts distinctive natural and cultural landscapes.
Longchuan is not only steeped in history but is also surrounded by stunning scenery, characterized by mountains and rivers. The village’s topography resembles a boat moored by the shore, with Longxu Mountain rising to the east, the Dengyuan River flowing nearby, and the Longchuan River converging to the south. To the west, it is bordered by the majestic Fengguan Peak, while the north is dominated by towering mountains, creating a unique and picturesque setting.
The waters of Longchuan are clear, and historically, the area has been a center of literary and scholarly excellence. The Hu family in Longchuan has produced numerous talents, earning it the reputation of being a “village of scholars” in Huizhou. During the Ming Dynasty, Longchuan village reached a peak in development, with more than ten scholars passing the imperial examinations. Among the most notable figures were Hu Fu, who became a Jinshi (the highest degree in the imperial examination) in the 14th year of the Chenghua era (1478) and eventually served as the Grand Minister of the Crown Prince and the Minister of Revenue in Nanjing, and Hu Zongxian, who passed the examination in the 17th year of the Jiajing era (1538) and rose to the position of Minister of War and Grand Minister of the Crown Prince.
Travel Information about Longchun Scenic Area
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 75 CNY. The ticket includes access to several attractions: the Hu Family Ancestral Hall, Duxian Pavilion, Yishi Minister’s Pavilion, Water Street, the former residence of Hu Bingheng, and the Longxi Town Elders’ Hall.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Longchuan Village, Jixi County, Xuancheng City.
Public Transport: Take Bus No. 6 from Jixi County to reach the scenic area directly.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Longchuan Scenic Area
Hu Family Ancestral Hall
The Hu Family Ancestral Hall in Longchuan is a prestigious family shrine dedicated to prominent figures such as Hu Fu, the Minister of Revenue during the Ming Dynasty; Hu Zongxian, the Minister of War; and Hu Guangyong, a notable red-robed merchant of the Qing Dynasty. Originally built during the Song Dynasty, it underwent significant renovations during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The hall is oriented north-south and is located across a river with a decorative wall in front.
The entrance features a grand gatehouse that measures approximately 22 meters wide. This gatehouse is supported by six stone columns and five moonbeams on both the front and back, along with four square beams, showcasing a meticulous structure and harmonious layout.
The central hall serves as the main worship area, where ceremonial rites are conducted. It is supported by 14 ginkgo columns, each with a diameter of 166 centimeters, and features 19 large and small winter melon beams. The beams are intricately carved with designs of colorful clouds and flowing ribbons, while the central sections are adorned with exquisite carvings of dragons, phoenixes, lions, and tigers.
At the rear of the ancestral hall are the sleeping quarters, divided into two levels. The doors and windows are elegantly carved with vase motifs, utilizing a combination of relief and shallow carving techniques to create stunning visual effects.
Hu Zongxian Minister’s Residence
The Hu Zongxian Minister’s Residence, renowned as the “first family of Huizhou,” is located at the heart of Longchuan Village. This residence has been home to twelve generations of the Hu family, starting from Hu Zongxian himself. Longchuan Village is shaped like a boat, bordered by Longxu Mountain to the east and Fenghuang Mountain to the west, where the Dengyuan River and Longchuan River converge, creating a picturesque setting that has been likened to a hidden gem in the region. The Minister’s residence is situated at the village’s helm, offering the best feng shui.
This residence is noted for its exquisite architecture, unique layout, and clever design, characterized by an abundance of gate towers, horse-head walls, and ancient alleys. The gate towers come in various shapes, including bottle-shaped, round, rectangular, and gourd-shaped, each showcasing distinctive designs. Compared to other ancient residences in Huizhou, such as Xidi and Hongcun in Yi County, Longchuan stands out with its unique charm.
The Hu Zongxian Minister’s Residence comprises several significant areas, including the main hall “Congshan Hall,” the Song Gong Family Shrine, the official hall, Wenchang Pavilion, Meilin Academy, a medical hall, Miss’s Tower, and a rear garden that features a Huizhou opera stage, a Buddhist hall, and Meilin Pavilion. One particularly intriguing feature is the ancient copper coin well, which is unique for having a well within a well, allowing visitors to experience its year-round water supply.
Yishi Minister’s Archway
The Yishi Minister’s Archway stands across the river from the Hu Family Ancestral Hall and was constructed in the 41st year of the Jiajing period during the Ming Dynasty (1562). This archway is dedicated to Hu Fu, the Minister of Revenue, and Hu Zongxian, the Minister of War, both prominent figures of the Ming era.
The archway is designed to resemble a wooden structure and consists of four main columns, four cross beams, and seven lintels. The overall design features a unique inward-collapsing structure, with the columns slightly rounded at the corners. Each side is protected by stone base supports known as “hugging drums.” The top of the archway is designed in a “Xieshan” style (a style characterized by a sloping roof), made from finely carved tea garden stones, supported by brackets and eaves.
The term “Yishi” signifies “one generation after another,” representing the legacy of Hu Fu and Hu Zongxian. Notably, Hu Fu was a successful candidate in the Wuyou Examination of the Ming Chenghua period (1478), while Hu Zongxian achieved success in the Wuyou Examination of the Ming Jiajing period (1538), marking a 60-year gap between their respective honors. This remarkable lineage is why the archway is named Yishi, honoring their lasting contributions to the region.
Longchuan Water Street
Longchuan Water Street boasts a rich history and is situated along the banks of the Longchuan River as it flows through the village. The residences lining both sides of the river reflect a typical ancient Huizhou village layout, where houses are built against the mountains and face the water. The local Hu family residents have colloquially referred to this area as “Water Street” because the riverbanks serve as the street.
The Water Street is remarkably well-preserved, featuring numerous cultural relics and historical buildings that embody the area’s unique local characteristics and high cultural value.
From a feng shui perspective, the two riverbanks hold significant names: “Longdi” (Dragon Embankment) and “Fengjie” (Phoenix Street). The “Longdi” derives its name from Longshan Mountain on the east side of the river, while the opposite “Fengjie” is named after Phoenix Mountain to the west. The construction of these areas is also quite intentional. The central part of Longdi is paved with stone slabs representing the “dragon’s spine,” while the sides are lined with cobblestones, symbolizing “dragon scales.” Conversely, Fengjie features white phoenix granite laid out to resemble the feathers of a phoenix. Together, these two streets are known as “Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Auspiciousness.”
Notably, Longdi is consistently elevated above Fengjie, reflecting the patriarchal values of feudal society, where male dominance was a prevailing social norm.
Xiangxian Shrine
The term “Xiangxian” refers to individuals of high moral character within a community. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, any person recognized for their virtues and achievements would be honored after death by having their names inscribed on a plaque in the local Xiangxian Shrine, where they would be commemorated with rituals during the spring and autumn seasons. In total, the Jixi County Xiangxian Shrine honors 15 such distinguished individuals, among whom three hail from Longchuan.
The Xiangxian Shrine has been renovated to restore its original appearance, now showcasing the names and deeds of revered ancestors who benefited the community throughout history. It also features murals depicting the life stories of eight notable individuals, serving as a local educational base. This initiative aims to help villagers better understand the virtues and fine traditions of their predecessors, fostering a sense of patriotism and love for their hometown.
Chengxintang Xuan Paper Workshop
Chengxintang paper is renowned as one of the finest traditional Chinese papers for calligraphy and painting, often referred to as “thousand-year longevity paper” and a “gem of the art world.” It was once considered a tribute and has been cherished by generations of artists. Located along the Water Street in the Longchuan Scenic Area, the Chengxintang paper-making workshop has revived this long-lost craft, introducing “Longcao Chengxin” as a heritage tourism project.
As early as the Tang and Song dynasties, the paper-making industry in ancient Huizhou was among the best in the country, with Jixi’s Chengxintang paper being particularly noteworthy. This paper is primarily made from dragon beard grass, which grows about one meter long, characterized by its slenderness, flexibility, and excellent elasticity. The resulting Chengxintang paper was highly valued by Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang dynasty, who praised it as the “king of papers,” using it extensively in the imperial court.
Chengxintang paper is of exceptionally high quality, but very few historical pieces have survived, making it a coveted treasure. Some of Li Yu’s notable works are written on Chengxintang paper, which was also kept in a special storage room in Jiangning Prefecture (modern-day Nanjing) during his reign. The Southern Tang emperor was particularly fond of this paper, insisting that he would only write on Chengxintang paper. The workshop itself was named after this esteemed paper, reflecting its legacy and significance.
At that time, owning Chengxintang paper was a symbol of honor among nobility, leading to fierce competition to procure and collect it. Today, the Chengxintang workshop continues to honor this rich tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into the art of paper-making that has defined Chinese culture for centuries.