The Fanzi Lou: A Nanyang Poem Engraved in Bricks and Stones

The Fanzi Lou in Zhangzhou is a unique testament to the culture of overseas Chinese in southern Fujian. These exquisite Sino-Western architectural marvels not only captivate with their beauty but also tell stories of perseverance and hard work in Nanyang. Among them, the Zeng Family Fanzi Lou stands out as a representative example, well worth spending half a day to explore in detail.

Here is a summary of the basic information about the Zeng Family Fanzi Lou to help you quickly get acquainted.

Detailed Information:
Attraction Name: Zeng Family Fanzi Lou
Cultural Heritage Status: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
Address: Dunshang Community, Dongmei Village, Jiaomei Town, Longhai District, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province
Opening Hours: Open all day (as it is still inhabited, visiting hours are flexible)
Admission Fee: Free
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Main Architectural Style: A blend of Chinese and Western styles, incorporating Minnan ancient houses, Nanyang Gothic elements, and red-brick arcades

🚗 Transportation and Itinerary Planning

How to Get There: The Fanzi Lou is located in a village, and driving is the most convenient way to reach it. It takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour by car from either downtown Zhangzhou or Xiamen. Simply navigate to "Dunshang Community, Dongmei Village, Jiaomei Town," where you will find a free parking lot at the entrance.

Public Transportation: If you opt for public transport, you can take a bus from Zhangzhou or Xiamen to Jiaomei Town and then transfer to local transportation to reach Dongmei Village. However, this option is less convenient and more time-consuming, so it is not highly recommended.

Best Time to Visit: Zhangzhou enjoys a pleasant climate, making spring and autumn the best seasons to visit. It is recommended to go on a sunny day, as good lighting enhances the details of the architecture for photography.

Recommended Itinerary:
You can combine a visit to the Fanzi Lou with other nearby attractions for a fulfilling day trip:

Morning: Depart from Xiamen or downtown Zhangzhou and head to Longhai Shima Ancient Town. Stroll through the old streets, visit the Wanan Pavilion on Dashi Street, and the Zhongshan Pavilion in Zhongshan Park to experience the local culture.

Noon: Enjoy authentic Minnan snacks in Shima, such as five-spice rolls, satay noodles, and digu lu (a local drink).

Afternoon: Drive to the Zeng Family Fanzi Lou (about a 30-40 minute drive). Spend 1-2 hours exploring and taking photos.

Evening: If time permits, take a detour to Hougang Ancient Street. The street offers different charms during the day and at night. Afterward, return to Xiamen or Zhangzhou.

📸 Highlights and Photography Tips

Architectural Layout and Features: The most captivating aspect of the Zeng Family Fanzi Lou is its "concave"-shaped layout and the "five-column, three-row" architectural matrix.

The front row features typical Minnan-style ancient houses, especially the central "Zeng Family Ancestral Hall," which boasts intricate wood and stone carvings worth admiring.

The middle building showcases Nanyang-style Gothic architecture, with gilded Roman columns, semi-circular arches, and colorful European-style tiles that exude exotic charm, making it a prime spot for photography.

The rear row consists of red-brick arcades, where residents still live, adding a touch of everyday life to the historical site.

Advanced Design: Take note of the advanced features of this century-old building, such as its self-supplied water system, which was highly innovative for its time.

Recommended Photography Angles:
- Framing Composition: Use the ornate arches of the middle building as a foreground frame to capture the ancient houses or people behind them.
- Corridor Depth: From the second floor of the middle building, photograph the depth of the corridor, with a person leaning on the railing or walking up and down for dynamic shots.
- Staircases and Railings: On the interior stairs, pose by leaning on the railing or walking up and down for candid shots.
- Overhead View: If possible, find a high vantage point to capture the grandeur of the entire architectural complex.

Accommodation: Zhangzhou Futai Smart Hotel

💡 Travel Tips

Outfit Suggestions: Wear brightly colored or vintage-style clothing to stand out against the architectural background. Avoid light-colored outfits that blend in with the building's tones. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you will be walking and climbing stairs.

Important Notes: The Fanzi Lou is still inhabited by local residents, so please keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing their daily lives. Respect the cultural relics by refraining from touching the carvings and paintings on the buildings.

Nearby Attractions: If you are particularly interested in the Fanzi Lou and overseas Chinese culture, consider visiting the nearby Tianyi Post Office. It is one of China's earliest private post offices and also features a blend of Minnan and Nanyang architectural styles. It has been listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.

We hope this guide helps you better plan your trip to the Fanzi Lou in Zhangzhou.