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Visit the historical Jiutouma Ancient House to admire its traditional architecture and intricate wooden carvings. Learn about its cultural significance and explore the surrounding area to see how ancient and modern life blend in Fuzhou.
The Jiutouma Residences, located in Qiyang Village, Heshang Town, were built during the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that nine celestial horses once appeared and disappeared here, later transformed into nine magical stones by the Tang Dynasty monk Baizhang. Jiutouma's ancient residences boast a long history, gradually forming a complete, independent architectural complex that is considered a model of traditional Qing Dynasty residential architecture in Fuzhou.
Today, the residential complex is quite large, but the developed part is not much, and there are still elderly people living inside. Entering the house, even if you don't understand architectural art, you will be deeply attracted by the gorgeous ceiling caisson. The relief carvings depict scenes of ancient folk operas and folk activities, which are very interesting.
Stone carvings of the Nine-Headed Horse are mostly used for column bases, brick carvings are used for gatehouses, pavilions, wall decorations, and window panes, clay sculptures are used for wall head decorations, and murals are widely used on interior walls. Architectural works of the Nine-Headed Horse often employ traditional techniques such as symbolism, allegory, and homophony to convey auspicious and auspicious meanings, such as the "prosperous scene" of the two immortals of harmony and unity , " abundant blessings , " and blessings , wealth , longevity, and happiness.
The Jiu Touma complex faces south and is roughly square in plan, 120 meters wide from east to west and 120 meters deep from north to south. It consists of 22 main buildings , surrounded by a 6- meter-high wall with more than a dozen doorways, watchtowers, and loopholes. The five rows are separated by fire walls and alleys, connected by framed doors.
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The Jiutouma Ancient House is a preserved traditional Fujianese residence. It showcases unique architectural styles and woodwork techniques, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the local elite during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It holds cultural and historical importance as an example of regional architecture.
The Jiutouma Ancient House is located in the Jiutouma area of Fuzhou, Fujian. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public buses are available, but the convenience of taxis may be preferable for tourists unfamiliar with local routes.
The house is open to visitors every day, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays when it tends to get more crowded.
Entrance fees for Jiutouma Ancient House are approximately 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the ticket counter or through the official website, depending on availability for online bookings.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or for group visits. You can book tickets 1-2 days in advance for convenience, especially if you're visiting during busy periods.
A visit to the Jiutouma Ancient House typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the architecture and learning about its history.
The must-see areas include the main hall with its detailed wood carvings, the courtyard with traditional gardens, and the living areas that showcase the historical lifestyle of the house's original inhabitants.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they provide in-depth information about the house’s architecture and history. Audio guides in English may also be available, but availability can vary, so it is best to check in advance.
The best photography spots are in the courtyard, where the traditional wooden beams and intricate carvings are visible. The exterior of the house, with its symmetrical design and surroundings, is also a great spot for photos.
Start with the main hall to admire the woodwork, then move on to the courtyard and surrounding gardens. If there are exhibitions or displays, they should be explored after. Don't forget to take a walk around the exterior to appreciate the architectural design.
Currently, there are no special light shows or night visits offered at Jiutouma Ancient House. The attraction is primarily a daytime destination, focusing on its historical value and architecture.
The Jiutouma Ancient House tends to get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays, especially early in the morning when the attraction opens.
The house has basic facilities including restrooms and a small souvenir shop. There are no major food or water services within the house itself, but there are restaurants nearby where visitors can stop for refreshments.
The Jiutouma Ancient House may have some limited accessibility for disabled visitors due to its traditional architecture, including steps and narrow pathways. However, elderly and children can enjoy the visit with some assistance from family or staff.
Mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) and credit cards are accepted. Cash is also an option, but mobile payments are more commonly used in this region.
There are several local restaurants near Jiutouma Ancient House that offer Fujianese dishes. These include small family-run eateries that specialize in local snacks and traditional meals.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but there are a few restaurants in Fuzhou that offer Halal cuisine.
There are a number of hotels in the Fuzhou area, ranging from budget accommodations to more upscale options. Hotels near the city center are a convenient choice for visitors planning to explore Jiutouma Ancient House and other local attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Fujian Museum, Fuzhou West Lake Park, and the Wuyi Square area. These landmarks are within a short drive or walk, making them easy to combine in a day trip.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop inside the Jiutouma Ancient House, offering traditional handicrafts, local snacks, and souvenirs that represent the cultural heritage of Fujian.
Taxis or private cars are the most convenient way to continue your trip to other nearby attractions. Public buses and the metro system in Fuzhou also provide easy access to other parts of the city.
