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Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

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Updated: 2014-12-12

A brochure named Xiamen Hand-drawn Map has selected 50 ancient classic buildings in Xiamen, Fujian province, after one-year’s investigation from its compliers. They are large and have exquisite designs, and are mainly old private residences with a history going back over 60 years. Xiamen’s traditional architecture is always located in the old urban areas and far away from the modern and busy streets. Some of them lack of repairs but still retain their historical and cultural charms. The best way to get into the Xiamen memories is to walk down the old streets and lanes.

Zhonghua East Area

Zhonghua East Area is the center of Xiamen’s old urban area and now belongs to Siming district. The area is enriched with old streets and lanes, former residences of celebrities and stylish buildings. Many contemporary celebrities and foreign nobilities resided in this area, which contributed to the many large buildings with their high aesthetic and artistic values. The modern constructions reduced the number of old buildings by one third, while the remaining part marks the old history and culture.

Xinjie Church at No 29, Taiguang Street

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

Xinjie Church was established in 1848 and was the first Christian Church open to the Chinese. Its roof collapsed in 1928, which led to the church’s reconstruction from 1933 to 1935. The church, which covers an area of 1,200 square meters, is in a masonry structure and built in a western style.

An octagonal- prism belfry is erected above the gable and a red cross is on the belfry’s pyramidal roof. An big American bell has been in the belfry since its foundation in 1848. The church receives Christians every Sunday, except for a temporary halt during the “Cultural Revolution” (1966-76). The church ranked in the sixth batch of Fujian cultural relics in 2005.

No 9, Caopu Lane former residence of Chen Huacheng

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

Chen Huacheng (1776 - 1842), a patriotic general, was born in Tong’an district and got his highest official position as the regional commander-in-chief in the south of the Yangtze River. He lost his life in a war against the British 'warship' invasion in Shanghai in 1842.

The house was purchased when he took office in Xiamen. It covered an area of 130 square meters and preserved many old items of Chen, including his stone bed. The building was listed in Xiamen’s first batch of cultural relic protection sites in 1982.

Former residence of Qiu Shiding at No 22, Waiqing Lane

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

The house belonged to a foreign firm comprador – Qiu Shiding – and was built during the Republic of China (1912-1949). The old luxurious finishing touches still can be seen in the two carved uprights of the front door, and phoenix and peony patterns made from shells in the arches. The honors and prosperity have gone while the masonry remains.

No 99, Shizai Street

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

No 99, Shizai Street, also called “Wangcuo”, is one of the largest existing traditional residential buildings in Zhonghua East Area. The building used red bricks and was constructed in the traditional southern Fujian style during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

No 45, Sucuo Street

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

The two-storied building, which combines Chinese traditional and western architectural elements, was built by Chen Jianghai, a Chinese Indonesian, in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The local red bricks gave it a western shape, while the inner decoration and layout are in Chinese style.

Former residence of Ouyang Zhen at No 12, Yanxi Street

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

The building’s owner was Ouyang Zhen, a contemporary calligrapher during Jiaqing’s reign (1796-1820) in the Qing Dynasty. The building, which is of local traditional style and features delicate wooden carvings, covers 1,067 square meters and has a garden. It is well-preserved with high artistic value.

No 18, Benbu Lane

Xiamen memories – 50 ancient buildings to visit in Xiamen (2)

The two-floor building, which was established during the Republic of China (1912-1949), is made of concrete and was built in a western style.

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