Former Residence of Dou Xu in Shizong County, Qujing
Overview
Located in Shujicun (淑基村), Shizong County (师宗县), Yunnan Province (云南省), the Former Residence of Dou Xu (窦垿故居) is a classic Siheyuan (四合院), a traditional Chinese courtyard house. The tall eaves rise majestically against the wind, showcasing not only the solemnity of the architecture but also a profound cultural connotation.
Architectural Features
The Dou Xu Residence is situated in Shujicun, within the Zhujizhen (竹基镇) area of Shizong County. The building faces south and consists of various structures, including:
Zhaobi (照壁)
- Description: The Zhaobi is a unique shadow wall, measuring 30 meters in length and 5 meters in height, constructed in a hanging mountain style.
- Details: It features a flower-tiled roof at the top, signifying its significance within the residence. The wall is supported by a base resembling a Sumeru platform (须弥座台基).
- Dimensions: The wall has a width of 12 meters, a depth of 5.2 meters, and a height of 8.9 meters, with a multi-layered structure.
Guoting (过厅)
- Structure: This hall features a seven-beam lifting structure and spans 5 bays.
- Dimensions: It is 22.5 meters wide, 10 meters deep, and 7.4 meters high.
- Features: The front eaves extend outward, and the roof tiles are connected by copper wire. Corridors extend to the east and west sides, leading to the back courtyard.
Huating (花厅)
- Location: Positioned on the west side of the main hall.
- Dimensions: It measures 13 meters wide, 8 meters deep, and 6 meters high.
- Decoration: The interior features intricately carved doors and windows, depicting scenes of flowers, birds, and human stories, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Layout and Additional Structures
- Compounds: The entire residence consists of 36 rooms divided into four courtyards, covering an area of approximately 1,500 square meters.
- Companions Rooms: In the back courtyard, there are several additional rooms including “peifang” (陪房) and “ear rooms” (耳房), which serve as supplementary living spaces.
Historical Significance
Dou Xu (窦垿)
- Biography: Dou Xu (1804-1865), styled Zidan (子玷), was born in Shujicun. His grandfather, Dou Sheng (窦晟), was the top scholar in the provincial examination during the Qianlong era.
- Literary Contributions: Dou Xu authored numerous works, including:
- Duo Shi Lu (多识录)
- Si Yu Lu (四余录)
- Shi Er Lu (示儿录)
- You Yi Lu (游艺录)
He is renowned for his famous couplet at the Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼), often regarded as one of the three great couplets in Chinese literature.
The Yueyang Tower Couplets
The couplet reads:
一楼何奇？杜少陵五绝唱，范希文两字关情，滕子京百废俱兴，吕纯阳三过必醉。诗耶？儒耶？吏耶？仙耶？不见古人，使我怆然涕下； 诸君试看：洞庭湖南极潇湘，扬子江北通巫峡，巴陵西来爽气，岳州城东道岩疆。潴者！流者！峙者！镇者！中有真意，问谁领会得来？
Cultural Recognition
- In December 2003, the Yunnan Provincial Government recognized the residence as a cultural relic protection unit.
- The architectural features and Dou Xu’s literary legacy contribute to the site’s historical value, making it a valuable resource for understanding Qing Dynasty (清朝) residential architecture and cultural evolution.
Journey to Dou Xu Residence
Visitors can reach the Dou Xu Residence by various means:
- By Air: Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场).
- By Train: Take a high-speed train from major cities like Kunming (昆明) to Qujing (曲靖).
- By Road: From Qujing, take a local bus or hire a taxi to Shizong County.
Upon arrival in Shizong, use local transportation or walk to Shujicun, where the residence is located.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes, such as Crossing the Bridge Noodles (过桥米线) and Yunnan ham.
- Respect Local Customs: Maintain a respectful demeanor, especially in places with cultural significance. Follow any posted rules regarding photography and behavior.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide to enrich your understanding of the site’s history and architecture.
- Souvenirs: Look for local handicrafts and literary works related to Dou Xu’s legacy as unique souvenirs.
With its rich history, cultural significance, and architectural beauty, the Former Residence of Dou Xu is a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese literature, history, and traditional architecture.
