Wen’an Tower in Maoping Village, Tonglu, Zhejiang

Built between the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China by local merchant Hu Ruyi, Wen’an Tower covers over 520 square meters. Its architectural style blends Huizhou architecture with Western technology, creating a unique character. Featuring white walls, dark gray tiles, and wind-and-fire walls, the rectangular structure is slightly longer north to south than east to west.
More than just a building, Wen’an Tower holds rich history and culture. Its construction reportedly took three years and cost 30,000 silver dollars, using luxurious materials. The exquisite archway gate, intricately carved "corbels," and distinctive moon-viewing platform showcase a blend of Chinese and Western styles. Wen’an Tower once sheltered Kang Youwei after his failed reform efforts, who praised it as the "best farmhouse in Jiangnan." Renowned painter Ye Qianyu also favored the tower's moon-viewing platform for his artwork. It is a key cultural relic of Tonglu County.

Post by VictoriaMcDermott99 | Mar 14, 2025