Bijiang Golden House in Foshan
The Bijiang Golden House (碧江金楼) is located in the Bijiang area, Beijiao Town, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province. The architecture of the building dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, originally serving as a private book collection pavilion for the Su family of Bijiang. In the 23rd year of the Daoguang reign (1843) of the Qing Dynasty, Su Piwen, a distinguished official who had been awarded the rank of Ronglu Dafu (荣禄大夫) and held a post in the Ministry of War, returned to his hometown and commissioned the construction of a grand mansion known as Zhi Fangdi (职方第), which included the addition of a library called the Fu He Lou (赋鹤楼).
Architectural Features
The Golden House (金楼) gets its name from the luxurious golden and wood carvings that adorn the structure. The design includes intricate wooden panels, doors, and beams that are adorned with genuine gold leaf. The architectural style integrates various techniques of wood carving, which makes the building a remarkable example of Qing Dynasty craftsmanship. In addition to being a private residence, the Golden House served as a cultural space, showcasing the region’s unique architectural and decorative styles.
The Golden House complex includes several other buildings, such as the mud buildings, Zhi Fangdi, the Golden Tower (金楼), the Nanshan Temple (南山祠), Jianlong Gate (见龙门), Yi Yu Memorial Hall (亦渔遗塾), Mu Tang Shrine (慕堂祠), and several other structures. These buildings collectively reflect the various functions of a residence, ancestral hall, library, and garden, preserving traditional Southern Chinese architectural features like the “dry-packed earth” (干打垒), oyster shell walls, water-milled bricks, and “wok-ear gable” (镬耳山墙).
Key Attractions and Cultural Heritage
The Golden House is famous for the legend of “Golden House Hidden Beauty” (金屋藏娇), which is said to be inspired by the placement of the wife of a Qing Dynasty official, Dai Peiqiong, in the house as part of her dowry. The popular legend of a beautiful woman being housed in a golden building spread throughout the region.
Another fascinating aspect is the three wells (三口井) located within the building complex, each with a symbolic and practical function. The first two wells, situated in the courtyard and the main hall, were designed to help prevent fires and cool the structure, while the third, located in the ceiling (called the “Zao Jing”藻井), had small carvings of five bats, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
Visitors are also impressed by the finely crafted wooden carvings found throughout the Golden House. These carvings depict a variety of scenes, from floral patterns to animals and mythical creatures, all demonstrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of the era. The carvings themselves have become a unique representation of the fusion of traditional Chinese and foreign artistic influences.
Architectural and Cultural Recommendations
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Legend of Golden House Hidden Beauty (金屋藏娇的传说)
The most famous tale associated with the Golden House is the legend of the “Golden House Hidden Beauty.” It is said that Dai Peiqiong, the daughter of a famous official, was married to Su Piwen’s great-grandson, Su Boyu. Su Boyu housed his wife in the Golden House and read with her every night, thus giving rise to the legendary story of a beautiful woman living in a golden house. -
The Three Wells (三口井)
The Golden House is known for its three wells, each having its own significance. The courtyard well and the well in the main hall were designed for fire prevention, while the ceiling well, or “Zao Jing,” is decorated with intricate carvings of bats, symbolizing “Five Blessings” (五福临头). -
Intricate Wood Carvings
The second floor of the Golden House, which served as a gathering place for guests and scholars, is a prime example of exceptional craftsmanship. The furniture and wooden structures, made from finely grained rosewood, exhibit an exquisite level of detail and beauty. The wood has a smooth, polished finish that gives the entire space an elegant yet humble aesthetic. Visitors can marvel at the skill of the woodworkers, who captured scenes of nature, animals, and flowers with remarkable realism and finesse. -
Carefully Arranged Furnishings
The Golden House is full of carefully arranged furnishings, such as the “Babo bed” (跋床), which is wider than a typical bed and equipped with two folding screens for servants to stand and attend to their masters. The eight-sided windows (八角窗) can be rolled open to allow for better ventilation and symbolism of “Eight Directions of Power” (八面威风). -
Literary Works of Famous Scholars (文人墨宝)
The Golden House also holds many inscriptions from famous scholars of the Qing Dynasty, including Liu Yong (刘墉), Zhang Yue-sung (张岳嵩), and others. These inscribed poems and calligraphy reflect the strong intellectual culture of the area, where literary achievements were highly esteemed. -
Qingming Shanghe Tu Version (碧江版“清明上河图”)
A unique artwork called the “Bijiang Version of the Qingming Shanghe Tu” (清明上河图), which depicts the daily life and natural landscapes of Bijiang during the Qing Dynasty, is also housed in the Golden House. This copper wall artwork, created by Su He, provides a fascinating snapshot of the region’s historical prosperity. -
Centuries-Old Trees
While the garden in the back has been reduced in size, it still houses many remarkable plants, including a 100-year-old longan tree and a 200-year-old crape myrtle. These trees stand as witnesses to the passage of time and the changes in the area over the centuries.
Opening Hours
- Open Year-round: Monday to Sunday, 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Admission
- Ticket Price: 15 RMB
Address
- Location: Bijiang, Beijiao Town, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take routes 331, 332, or 933 and disembark at the “Bijiang Community” (碧江居委) station. Walk south to the intersection, and then east along Tai Ning West Road (泰宁西路) for about 5 minutes.
