Ba Jian Lou, reputedly built by Dong Fen, a Ming Dynasty Minister of Rites, as residences for his servants, originally consisted of approximately one hundred rooms, hence the name ‘Ba Jian Lou’. Stretching over 400 meters in length, the concentrated section of buildings spans from the Lotus Bridge to the Long Bridge on the east bank of the river. The riverbanks are densely populated with closely packed houses featuring white walls, blue tiles, corridors, river docks, decorative walls, rolling doors, and eaves. Each house is strikingly similar, with the canal water flowing outside and boats coming and going, embodying the eternal and graceful canal scenery of the Jiangnan water towns.
Ba Jian Lou’s buildings are connected in rows, with side walls adjoining each other. The buildings feature traditional black tiles and whitewashed walls, forming a long street composed of light and airy arcaded doors. Stone bridges connect the two banks. The stone-paved riverbanks are orderly and equipped with river docks, facilitating the local people, boatmen, and merchants to disembark and embark, transport goods, and travel, as well as providing convenience for the people to draw water and do laundry.
The architecture of Ba Jian Lou retains the style of the Ming Dynasty while also possessing the charm of the Qing Dynasty. It is a typical residential building complex with the flavor of Jiangnan water towns. Open all year round, available 24/7. For specific opening times, please consult the scenic area.
Ba Jian Lou
Ba Jian Lou, reputedly built by Dong Fen, a Ming Dynasty Minister of Rites, as residences for his servants, originally […]
