Step into Luochang Village in Huashan Town, and you’ll find nearly 50 overseas Chinese buildings scattered throughout the village, similar in appearance and function to the Diaolou of Kaiping. These watchtower-like buildings, constructed during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period, still stand resolutely, exuding the fragrance of history and a subtle, restrained elegance that draws visitors closer to appreciate their beauty.
The overseas Chinese buildings of Luochang Village are located in Luochang Village, Huashan Town. The village covers an area of about 2 million square meters, consisting of 9 natural villages and 15 village groups with a population of 2300 people. Known as a hometown for overseas Chinese, many residents have made significant achievements abroad, primarily in the United States.
Most of the overseas Chinese buildings in Luochang Village are four-story structures, with layouts, internal decorations, and furnishings predominantly Chinese in style, while the architectural shapes are mainly Western, creating a stable and ornate appearance that combines the best of both Chinese and Western architectural styles. The earlier buildings feature iron gates on each floor, serving both residential and defensive purposes. Notable buildings include the Jiang Ziqiao Tower, Zhang Bai Jia Shu, and Shao Geng Tower, among others.
Currently, 46 Diaolou buildings in the village are under cultural heritage protection, with 2 of them restored and open to the public. The Zhang Bai Jia Shu, restored two years ago and located in the eighth team of Luochang Village, was built in the 1920s as a Sino-Western fusion style building, funded by the American overseas Chinese Jiang Zhangbai. Facing west and east, the building is 5.7 meters wide, 11.4 meters deep, and approximately 10.5 meters high, with a total construction area of 65 square meters.
Two years ago, the Zhang Bai Jia Shu was well restored and expanded with a small garden. The Luochang Village Committee rents out the Zhang Bai Jia Shu to some calligraphy and painting enthusiasts as a studio, further promoting the fame of Luochang Diaolou.
Luochang Village
Step into Luochang Village in Huashan Town, and you’ll find nearly 50 overseas Chinese buildings scattered throughout the village, similar […]
