Owing to the wealth accumulated by Huizhou tradesmen from the mid-Southern Song (1127 - 1279) to Emperor Qianlong Reign (1736-1796) in the Qing dynasty, an influential, regional architectural style was able to develop in Huizhou. Many features of this local style were incorporated in the architectural development of the south China, in particular the canal towns of the Yangzi River delta.

Most visitors, by the time they visit Huizhou villages, will be familiar with the typical design of a courtyard home, therefore we will here dwell on Huizhou's deviations from this familiar pattern.

On passing through a doorframe, constructed of stone rather than wood, the visitor will enter a small courtyard flanked on three sides. The reason this courtyard is so-sized is to allow for adequate illumination and ventilation, while restricting possible rain and draughts. The sloped roofs above the courtyard are so designed as to collect the maximum amount of rainwater. This is done because geomantically-minded Huizhou merchants were reluctant to let any form of energy escape their control; they were interested in amassing and accumulating property rather than letting it disperse and escape. The collection of rain is symbolic of their accumulation of wealth.

Either side of the small courtyard, which sometimes features a garden, are two bedrooms. Straight ahead is the central meeting hall behind which is the dining and kitchen area. Unlike other courtyard homes, often Huizhou homes are two-storied, sometimes three storied. The upper floors, shaded from view, sport verandas, fitted with benches. Since Huizhou women were discouraged from meeting men from outside the family, these benches were placed for them to survey goings-on in the main courtyard beneath.

The house so-far described only has one courtyard. Many of the homes that you will see possess two or three courtyards. The number of courtyards a home had depended on the status its owner; to build a home with more courtyards than your rank permitted was a punishable offense. The most immediate way, therefore, for a Huizhou merchant to increase his prestige was by improving the fixtures within the house. Consequently, Huizhou homes boast some of the best stone, wood and brick craftsmanship in China. Complex latticework adorns their windows. Beams, pillars and purling are gilded or painted. Brackets, eaves, arches, balustrades and shrines bear exquisite carvings.

China tours inclusive of visiting Huizhou ancient houses