Prince Consort Xu's Residence: A Song Dynasty Minimalist Mansion

Prince Consort Xu's Residence was the home of Xu Yu, the prince consort of Princess De'an during the Northern Song Dynasty. Located in Chaozhou, it is the earliest surviving mansion-style residence in the area and a rare example of Song Dynasty architecture in China, with a history spanning over 900 years.

Hidden within the alleys of Chaozhou's ancient city, the exterior of this residence appears unassuming, but its interior is full of surprises. Covering an area of approximately 1,800 square meters, it truly reflects the wealth and status of affluent families in ancient times.

The mansion features a three-section, five-room layout, facing slightly east of due south. It boasts numerous rooms, most of which are square in design. High thresholds, curved eaves, bamboo-reinforced gray walls, and a meticulously designed S-shaped drainage system all highlight the attention to detail in the residence of a noble family. The overall structure is orderly, with a unified style and minimalist decorations, embodying the aesthetic pursuits of the Song Dynasty.

Praised by architectural experts as the "only prince consort's residence among civilian buildings," this rare architectural gem is highly recommended for a visit. Traveling is all about immersing yourself in history, folk culture, and the natural and humanistic landscapes of the past and present.

➤ Prince Consort Xu's Residence
📍 No. 4, Dongfu Square, Putao Lane, Zhongshan Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City
🚌 Take bus route Micro 02 and get off at the "Prince Consort Xu's Residence" stop, then walk for 3 minutes
🕐 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays
💰 20 RMB/person

Post by Jasminehh | Sep 16, 2025