Explore ‘Forbidden City’ Hidden in the Mountains in Chongqing

Chongqing - A century-old building, Zhang's Family Residence, has been well preserved in Huangqiao Community of the Huangxi Town, Qianjiang District of Chongqing.

Zhang's Family Residence was built in 1911, with five "Siheyuan," which is an asymmetrical and closed rectangular space with a courtyard in the center. Some visitors compare it to the Forbidden City in Beijing, the most classic building complex with a similar structure. 

Exquisite "Forbidden City" hidden in mountains

The various exquisite stone carvings are the essence of the whole building. The four hollow-out carved stone column bases shaped in elephants and lions at its entrance keep attracting visitors. Each column base is high, about 1.2 meters, exquisitely designed and carved. The vivid stone lions bare their teeth and look awe-inspiring, and the stone elephants look much kinder.

Many greenstone stools and flowerpots are also carved from local materials in the courtyard. The ornamentations on the windows are also well preserved.

According to local folklore, these stone carvings were carved by a famous master Zhuo with several apprentices for more than 20 years.

"Many national experts were amazed by the design and craftsmanship of Zhang's Family Residence after visits," said Liu Xingping, a staff of the Huangxi Town Public Cultural Service Center.

Three unsolved mysteries

The first mystery is about the material of the carved stones. 

The column base of Zhang's Family Residence is different from the local limestone. It is harder and is resistant to weathering and discoloration. Experts agree that the stone is from coastal areas. What is puzzling is how did the stones get there? The four-column bases, each weighing more than two tons, and roads to Huangxi Town were laid in the 1970s. At a time when there were no waterways and no roads, how were the stones transported into the mountain?

The second mystery is about the drainage system. 

The five patio dams are paved with stones, closely connected, and no drainage facilities can be seen. The strange thing is no matter how heavy the rain is, the patios are not waterlogged. As soon as the rain stops, the water in the patios will immediately disappear, leaving only a wet mark. 

The last mystery lies in the well. 

There are three wells under the eaves of the back hall of Zhang's house. Three wells distribute under one eave, which is amazing in itself, and there is still one well playing its role up to now. The well can hold less than two cubic meters of water, which is not much, but can always remain at a fixed level. No matter how hard it rains, the well water will not be cloudy and will not overflow, no matter how long the drought lasts. While marveling at the craftsman who built the well, people wonder where the water came from.

Proud and protect 

Over the past century, the locals have been full of awe and pride in this ancient building because of the delicate carvings and the unsolved mysteries. It is said that the building can be a living document of Qianjiang architecture.

Zhang's Family Residence became more mysterious and attractive to travelers as they passed on its legends. 

In 2009, Zhang's Family Residence was listed as a municipal cultural relic protection unit, and the local government has effectively protected the entire residence. 

The local government has installed eight cameras and firefighting facilities in this building to protect it. The government is also trying to figure out how to better inherit and explore its historical and cultural values.

(Mei Xuhang, as an intern, has contributed to this article.)