Baoda Canhao, a quintessential example of Hui-style commercial architecture, once stood in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City. Erected in 1889, the building’s former site is a testament to the region’s architectural heritage.
Covering an area of less than one acre, the space was characterized by a bright and open skywell, complemented by gracefully falling horse-head walls. The dougong brackets stood proudly, and the SanDiao—wood carving, brick carving, and stone carving—vividly showcased the distinctive Hui characteristics of Baoda Canhao. These features not only highlighted the Hui essence of the building but also exemplified the elegance and beauty inherent in Hui-style architecture.
