Chaozhou Xu Consort House
The Xu Consort House (许驸马府) is located at 4 Dongfucheng, Putao Lane, Zhongshan Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. It was the residence of Xu Jue (许珏), the great-grandson of Xu Shen (许申), one of the Eight Worthies of Chaozhou (潮州八贤), and the son-in-law of Song Yingzong, an emperor of the Song Dynasty. The house was initially built during the Northern Song Dynasty, in the Zhiping era (1064–1067 AD).
Historical Significance
The Xu Consort House covers an area of about 2,450 square meters, with 55 rooms, 11 courtyards, 4 wells, and two fire lanes. The main structure of the house is a three-entry, five-bay configuration, featuring fire lanes, side buildings, and a rear annex, which collectively form a structure reminiscent of “a chariot pulled by four horses” (驷马拖车). This layout has preserved the original Song Dynasty architectural style and design. The house has been praised by ancient building experts as one of the “Three Treasures of Chaozhou Ancient Architecture” (潮州古建三件宝) and a “rare example of Song Dynasty government residences” (国内罕见的宋代府第建筑). As a well-preserved Song Dynasty residence, it has high historical, artistic, and scientific value and is considered an important material for studying Song Dynasty architecture, culture, and social life.
National Protection Status
On November 20, 1996, the Xu Consort House was designated by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China as one of the Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units (第四批全国重点文物保护单位).
Architectural Layout
The house is situated with the main entrance facing south, and it covers a space of about 2,450 square meters. The building layout includes 55 rooms, 11 courtyards, and several other features. Its main building consists of three sections, with five bays, two fire lanes, side rooms, and a rear annex, reflecting the traditional Song Dynasty architectural style.
Notable Buildings and Features
Main Gate
The main gate of the Xu Consort House follows a concave porch-style layout. The door panels are made from high-quality wood, making them thick and solid. The door features a gourd design, symbolizing “happiness and prosperity” (葫芦与福禄谐音), representing the owner’s wish for prosperity and good fortune. The door plaque is adorned with two wooden round door locks with a 24-petal design, symbolizing the highest level of status.
The gate’s walls feature ice-cracked murals and blue bricks, preserved from the early Ming period (明初).
First Entrance (首进)
The first section of the house is the first entry, which is the smallest area among the three main sections. It has a central door for increased privacy, which is typically closed and only opened for important visitors such as high-ranking officials. The courtyard in front of this door is the largest of the 11 courtyards, where lotus pots and flower pots are usually placed. The paving stones are long, thick stone slabs from the Song Dynasty, some of which are over 7 meters long.
Main Hall (大厅)
The main hall (第二进), known as the Zhengting (正厅), is the central area of the house. It serves as the gathering place for the family and a venue for welcoming guests. The rooms on either side of the hall are used by the elders of the family. The rear part of the hall features a concave-shaped wall, similar to the central door, which is usually closed unless there are large ritual events.
Rear Hall (后厅)
Behind the main hall lies the rear hall, which is also known as the Xianghuo Hall (香火堂). This hall is used for worshiping ancestors and features the three most important figures in the Xu family history.
Back Storage Room (后库)
Behind the Xianghuo Hall is the back storage room (后库), which was historically used for storing coffins. In traditional culture, storing coffins in the house was seen as a sign of future prosperity and success. The floor tiles here are the best-preserved in the entire house, and their arrangement carries symbolic meanings of prosperity and fortune.
Fire Lanes (火巷)
Two fire lanes run along the east and west sides of the house, acting as fire escapes. The fire wells located here are for emergency fire-fighting purposes. The western well, known as the Tiger Well, and the eastern well, known as the Dragon Well, represent the traditional symbolism of the Eastern Azure Dragon and Western White Tiger (东苍龙西白虎).
Back Annex (后包)
Connected to the fire lanes, the back annex (后包) has a height difference of 1.28 meters between the front courtyard and the annex, symbolizing a rise in status with every step taken inward. The annex now serves as an exhibition hall for the history of the Xu family.
Study Room (书斋)
The study room is situated within an enclosed building and is characterized by its quiet environment. The room is surrounded by a courtyard and corridor and is separated from the main house by a fire lane, making it a peaceful place for study and reading.
Historical and Cultural Treasures of Xu Consort House
The Xu Consort House contains several unique features, which have earned it the status of a historical treasure:
First Treasure: The S-Shaped Drainage System
During a renovation in 1999, an S-shaped drainage system was discovered, which channels rainwater through courtyards and away from the building. This system ensures that water flows smoothly without directly draining out, symbolizing the gathering of wealth (财) and prosperity (财能生财). The design of the drainage system follows the principle of “no drainage through rooms, no drainage through corridors,” which prevents wealth from flowing out of the house.
Second Treasure: Stone Pillars (石地栿)
The house’s wooden structure rests on stone pillars, which provide protection against termites, distribute weight evenly, and offer some earthquake resistance. These pillars also maintain the uniformity and alignment of the building.
Third Treasure: Bamboo-Woven Walls (竹编灰壁)
The house features bamboo-woven gray walls, a distinctive architectural style in the southern regions of China. These walls are made by weaving bamboo strips and covering them with clay and oyster shell powder, providing insulation and soundproofing. The walls in the rear hall are some of the best-preserved examples of this technique.
Important Figures in Xu Family History
Xu Tianzheng (许天正), Ancestor of the Xu Family in Southern Fujian
Xu Tianzheng was originally a general during the Tang Dynasty. He was tasked with pacifying the disturbances in the region of Zhangzhou, Fujian. Following his success, he settled there, and his descendants continued to thrive in the region. He played a crucial role in developing local agriculture, industries, and education.
Xu Shen (许申), Second Generation Ancestor of the Xu Family in Chaozhou
Xu Shen was a prominent figure who passed the imperial exam and held various government positions during the Northern Song Dynasty. He is remembered as one of the Eight Worthies of Chaozhou (潮州八贤). He made significant contributions to the welfare of the region, focusing on public service, education, and agricultural development.
Xu Jue (许珏), Xu Consort
Xu Jue was a talented figure in his youth and was later appointed as a guard in the royal court. He rose through the ranks and became a military governor. His success and achievements are celebrated, especially for his contributions to governance and military affairs.
