The formation of Huizhou architecture

The formation of Huizhou architecture is influenced by Huizhou's unique historical and geographical environment and humanistic concept. It used to be the settlement of Guyue people, and the living form was a "dry column" building that adapted to the life in mountainous areas. The large-scale migration of gentry in the Central Plains not only changed the population size and structure of Huizhou, but also brought advanced Central Plains culture. The exchange and integration of Central Plains civilization and ancient Yue culture is directly reflected in the architectural form. As a typical form of "upstairs hall" in early Huizhou architecture, the upstairs hall is particularly spacious and is a place for people to rest in their daily activities. This is because the mountainous area is humid, and in order to prevent the gas of boils, the pattern of Vietnamese "dry column" buildings has been retained. At the same time, due to the influx of immigrants, Gai Lou has become the best choice. However, in order to solve the problem of ventilation and lighting, the "quadrangle" in the Central Plains has evolved into a closed and unobstructed "patio" in Huizhou that adapts to the sinister mountain environment. But wooden houses in mountainous areas are prone to fire. In order to prevent the fire from spreading, the Horsehead Wall was created. The early Huizhou architectural form is the product of the integration of foreign immigrants and local culture.

After the mid-Ming Dynasty, Huizhou merchants rose and dominated the business circles in China. When Huizhou merchants get rich, they will return a lot of capital to their hometown, one of which is investment in architecture. They built ancestral temples, mansions, gardens, archways, bridges and pavilions, which brought great changes to the rural landscape of Huizhou. Due to the characteristics of "being good at Confucianism", Huizhou merchants with high cultural quality have injected their own opinions into the layout, structure, interior decoration and hall layout of their buildings, which has prompted Huizhou architecture to gradually form a unique architectural system, making Huizhou architecture not only practical, but also rich in cultural connotation.