Jia Yin Tang’s owner, Liu Bingnan, is a wealthy merchant from the same clan as the well-known patriotic poet Liu Yazi. After prospering from his oil mill in Lu Su, he invested twenty thousand taels of silver to build this residence in Tongli. The main structure of Jia Yin Tang imitates the Ming Dynasty style, commonly referred to as the ‘Gauze Cap Hall’. It is named for the beam ends that resemble the wings of an official Ming Dynasty cap. The courtyard is tall, spacious, solemn, and dignified. The architecture is intricately carved with exquisite paintings, especially the central carvings of the ‘Eight Steeds’ on both sides of the five-beam structure, and the ‘Phoenix Passing Through Peonies’ at the ends of the beams. The bottom of the beams is engraved with patterns such as ‘As You Wish’ and ‘Sure to Pass’. The ‘Gauze Cap Wings’ (i.e., beam ends) are carved with eight dramatic reliefs from ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, including ‘The Old City Meeting, Three Heroes Fighting Lu Bu’, vividly portrayed as if they are about to come to life. Yan Qing Tower is the inner residence hall. The door frame is engraved with ‘Eight Immortals’ in low relief, and a jade piece at the center of the lower frame is deeply engraved with the ‘Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity’. The signboard is inscribed with the four large characters ‘Generosity Passes Down’. Stepping inside Yan Qing Tower, one can see lifelike and vivid wood carvings of famous anecdotes, captivating all who see them. Located at the northwest corner of Yan Qing Tower is a small water pavilion, Shuixiu Pavilion, built next to the water, exquisite and delicate. Standing within, one can hear the sounds of the wind, water, and birds up close, and from a distance, one can see small bridges, old trees, and greenery, making it an ideal place for self-cultivation and relaxation. For specific opening hours, please consult the scenic area.
Jia Yin Tang
Jia Yin Tang’s owner, Liu Bingnan, is a wealthy merchant from the same clan as the well-known [...]
