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Wangshan Tuku was a Qing Dynasty mansion built with funds raised by nine brothers, including Cheng Wancai, the Governor-General of Huguang, Cheng Huancai, the Governor of Jiangsu, and Cheng Maocai, the Governor of Anhui (known historically as "Three Governors from One Family"). It is also the former residence of Cheng Tianfang, the former Minister of Propaganda of the Kuomintang. Construction began in 1821 during the first year of the Daoguang reign, and took half a century to complete, ending during the Tongzhi reign. The entire complex faces south, nestled against the mountain and facing the water. Centered around the ancestral hall, it stretches east and west, covering an area of 108 mu (approximately 16 acres). It contains 25 buildings, 1,443 rooms, and 572 courtyards of varying sizes.
The building structure features exterior walls constructed of blue bricks and filled with mud, with fixed columns supporting the interior walls. The exterior features blue bricks and black tiles, and gabled roofs, creating a majestic and imposing aura. The interior, with its crisscrossing lanes and flower-filled pavilions with double doors, offers a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, warm in winter and cool in summer, with no sun in the sun and no wet shoes in the rain. The wood, stone, and brick carvings, including depictions of dancing dragons and phoenixes, lions rolling balls, the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, and plum, orchid, bamboo, and pine trees, are all exquisite and inspiring. Because the residence was built on Wangshan Hill and its vast scale, it was named "Wangshan Tuku."
Wangshan Tuku, with its rich cultural heritage, nurtured a once-powerful and prestigious family, nurturing a generation of talented scholars and prominent figures. From the late Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, when Cheng Yancai, Cheng Huancai, and Cheng Maocai emerged as "three great red hats," to the Republic of China, over the next 100 years, the Cheng family of Wangshan Tuku produced four Jinshi (Jinshi) scholars, 11 Juren (Juren) scholars, and over 100 officials and celebrities, achieving the glorious tradition of "three governors and governors-general from one family, six Hanlin scholars within five miles." This family has significantly fostered and promoted the cultural refinement of surrounding scholars and the authentic and sincere folk customs of the Poyang Lake region. National hero Lin Zexu, renowned minister Zeng Guofan, and imperial tutor Weng Tonghe, among other dignitaries, all had close ties with the Cheng family of Wangshan Tuku, visiting the site and leaving their calligraphy.
It has a subtropical monsoon climate. In the Gan-speaking area, large blue brick and tile houses are mostly called "Tuku", which is how Wangshan Tuku got its name. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Wangshan Tuku ancient building was built by the Cheng brothers, known as "three governors from one family" during the mid-Qing Dynasty: Cheng Hucai, Governor-General of Huguang; Cheng Huancai, Governor of Jiangsu; and Cheng Maocai, Governor of Anhui and Zhejiang. The three Cheng brothers, all officials of the first and second ranks, enjoyed successful careers, inspiring these scholar-officials to build a Tuku in their hometown. The resulting Wangshan Tuku, measuring 337 meters from east to west and 180 meters from north to south, covers 108 mu (approximately 16 acres) and stands tall in Datang, making it a popular tourist destination.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
25 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Wangshan Tuku is a scenic lake area in Nanchang, Jiangxi, known for its picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage, and recreational value. It is significant as a natural retreat and a local landmark for leisure and sightseeing.
Entrance fee is approximately 30–50 CNY, and tickets can be purchased at the site or through online travel platforms.
Booking in advance is optional but recommended during weekends, holidays, or festival periods to avoid queues.
2–3 hours are usually sufficient to enjoy the lake, walk the trails, and explore key scenic spots.
Guided tours in Chinese may be available. English tours or audio guides are limited and may require arranging with local travel agencies.
Start at the main entrance, follow the lakeside path, explore key pavilions, ascend hills for panoramic views, and loop back via garden trails.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special events or cultural performances may be held during festivals.
Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded. Weekends and public holidays can be busy, especially in peak season.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted for tickets and small purchases.
Local restaurants and small cafes are located near the entrance, offering Jiangxi cuisine and light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options may be limited and need to be checked locally.
Several hotels and guesthouses are within 10–15 minutes by taxi from Wangshan Tuku, ranging from budget to mid-range accommodations.
Small souvenir shops sell postcards, decorative items, and local crafts inspired by Jiangxi landscapes and culture.
