The Sanmenyuan Ye Clan Architectural Complex in Longyou, Zhejiang

The Sanmenyuan Ye Clan Architectural Complex is an outstanding example of Qing Dynasty residential architecture in the Jiangnan region. It was commissioned by Ye Qingrong, a leading figure in the Longyou merchant community (some villagers say it was Ye Hetian, who passed the Engong examination during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, and then spent a fortune building the residence upon returning home). The construction took over 20 years to complete. Facing west and backed by Tiger Mountain with a stream in front, the Ye Clan Architectural Complex is a brick and wood structure. Originally consisting of five buildings, three remain today, interconnected in a triangular formation. Named after the plaques above their gates, the complex comprises three main buildings—"Zhilan Ruzhuo" (Orchid's Seat), "Jinghua Yongmao" (Evergreen Vitex), and "Huandu Shengchun" (Spring in a Humble Dwelling)—along with ancillary rooms, courtyards, gardens, and a lotus pond, covering an area of 4,500 square meters. It features a typical Jiangnan garden architectural style. Inside the main buildings, the coffered ceilings, attic walkways, lattice windows, and guest couches are all exquisitely carved, lacquered, and gilded. The three-dimensional figures carved on the wooden beams and columns are lifelike and varied. "Jinghua Yongmao" and "Huandu Shengchun" are similar in structure, both featuring a three-room, two-wing design. "Zhilan Ruzhuo," the residence of the eldest son and Engong scholar Ye Hetian, is the largest and most elaborate. Laid out in a "three-entry, two-courtyard" style, it was used to receive officials and features elegant furnishings such as guest couches, mandarin duck tables, and double stone drums. There is also a cycad tree in the courtyard, said to be over 400 years old. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit.