Qiandongnan, Guizhou Province

The Scholar's Retreat: A Journey to the Majiang Xia Tonghe Zhuangyuan Mansion

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

820m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Majiang Xia Tonghe Zhuangyuan: Mansion, also known as the "Number One Scholar's Residence," is a hidden cultural gem located in Xianshan Village, Longshan Town, Majiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Unlike the bustling tourist spots, this mansion offers a serene glimpse into the life of a remarkable historical figure and the architectural beauty of the late Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of approximately 3,000 square meters, the residence was the home of Xia Tonghe (1874–1925), a distinguished scholar who holds the unique title of China's only "International Student Zhuangyuan" (top scholar who also studied abroad),.

The mansion is a testament to the "Heirloom of Poetry and Etiquette" cherished by the Xia family. Built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, it preserves the traditional layout of a noble residence while subtly incorporating elements that reflect the changing times. The architecture is primarily a wooden structure with a "San Chao San Jin" (Three Courts, Three Progressions) layout, featuring a gate tower, a main hall, wing rooms, and a garden. The design emphasizes hierarchy and order, typical of Confucian family values, yet it sits harmoniously within the lush, mountainous landscape of Guizhou, blending the grandeur of Central Plains culture with the rustic charm of the Qian region,.

Xia Tonghe himself is the soul of this site. He achieved the highest honor in the imperial examination in 1898, becoming the Zhuangyuan. However, unlike many traditional scholars, he later traveled to Japan to study law, bridging the gap between ancient Chinese tradition and modern legal thought. He became the first Zhuangyuan to hold a degree from a foreign university and contributed significantly to the drafting of laws in the late Qing and early Republic era. His residence reflects this open-mindedness; visitors can spot unique details like stained glass windows—a fusion of Western aesthetics with traditional Chinese wood carvings—indicating the owner's global perspective,.

Surrounded by the tranquil scenery of Xianshan Village, with green hills and pastoral fields, the mansion feels like a living museum of history and culture. Inside, exhibitions display precious historical photos, calligraphy, exam papers, and documents related to Xia Tonghe's life and legislative work. Walking through the quiet courtyards and the garden, visitors can imagine the scholar's life, from his diligent studies to his contemplation of national affairs. It is a place where the "reading and farming" tradition of the Chinese literati comes to life, offering a peaceful retreat that connects the past with the present,.

✨ Why Visit Majiang Xia Tonghe Zhuangyuan Mansion

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The Zhuangyuan Plaque

Admire the grand gate tower adorned with the "Zhuangyuan Di" (Scholar's Residence) plaque, a symbol of the highest academic honor in imperial China and the family's prestige.

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San Chao San Jin Layout

Explore the traditional architectural layout of "Three Courts and Three Progressions," which perfectly illustrates the spatial order and family hierarchy of a noble Qing Dynasty household.

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Xia Tonghe’s Life Exhibition

Discover the fascinating story of Xia Tonghe, the only person in history to be both a traditional Imperial Top Scholar and a modern international law student, bridging two eras.

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Fusion Architecture

Spot the unique blend of styles, such as the colorful stained glass windows integrated into traditional wooden lattice doors, reflecting the owner's exposure to the outside world.

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Pastoral Garden Setting

Enjoy the serene garden and the surrounding Xianshan Village, where the elegant mansion harmonizes with the rustic beauty of Guizhou's mountains and fields.

Location & Nearby

📍 Qiandongnan, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 820m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Majiang Xia Tonghe Zhuangyuan Mansion Travel Guide

Where is the mansion located?

It is located in Xianshan Village, Longshan Town, Majiang County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

Who was Xia Tonghe? Xia Tonghe (1874–1925) was a scholar from Guizhou who became the Zhuangyuan (top scholar) in the 1898 imperial examination and later studied law in Japan, making him a unique figure in Chinese history,.

What is the architectural style? It is a traditional Qing Dynasty wooden structure with a courtyard layout, featuring exquisite wood and stone carvings, and some unique Western influences like stained glass,.

Is it crowded? No, it is generally a quiet and less commercialized cultural site, perfect for a peaceful visit and in-depth cultural exploration,.

What is the best time to visit? The best times are March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and the surrounding rural scenery is at its most beautiful,.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Majiang Xia Tonghe Zhuangyuan Mansion?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.