Guangdong Yunfu | The Unique Five-Peak Gable Walls in Cantonese Architecture

#chinatravel
I have always been fascinated by traditional residential architecture across China, especially the distinctive styles of gable walls. Among these, Cantonese architecture’s gable walls stand out with unique characteristics. The most common type is the “wok-ear” gable wall, named for its resemblance to the handle of a large wok, symbolizing prominence, wealth, and good fortune.

A great example is Shangyue Ancient Village in Qingyuan City, which boasts over 700 years of history. Its massive wok-ear walls vary in height and layout, creating a magnificent and imposing sight.

Besides the wok-ear style, Guangdong also features “square-ear” gable walls, also known as Five-Peak Gable Walls. These are frequently found in temples and some ancestral halls, such as Guangzhou’s Renwei Ancient Temple, Aoshan Ancient Temple, and the Chengshi Clan Ancestral Hall in Shuidong Ancient Village, Yunfu. These architectural forms reflect the rich cultural heritage and local aesthetics of the Lingnan region.

Post by Zero899 | Aug 9, 2025