Maolu Cottage in Kunming
Maolu Cottage (懋庐) is located at 18-19 Jixiang Alley, Dongfeng West Road, Kunming (昆明市东风西路吉祥巷18-19号). Built in the eighth year of the Xianfeng era (1852), this architectural gem combines Chinese and Western styles. The owner of the house, Zhang Maodi (张懋弟), gave the cottage its name. Today, it has been transformed into a restaurant.
Historical Background
- Chinese Name: 懋庐 (Maolu)
- Pinyin: mào lú
- Built in: 1852 (咸丰八年)
- Location: 18-19 Jixiang Alley, Dongfeng West Road, Kunming (昆明市东风西路吉祥巷18-19号)
Maolu Cottage faces south and features a timber structure with a hard mountain roof. It exemplifies the “one-peak” architectural style. The main building has five bays wide and two bays deep, while the side rooms have three bays wide and one bay deep.
The west wing’s main entrance is flanked by stone pillars made of blue stone, topped with an arch and a plaque inscribed with the name “懋庐.” The plaque features triangular top decorations, showcasing a blend of Western-style facades with the traditional rectangular courtyard layout typical of the “Yin” style, which flourished in Kunming during the Republic of China era. This unique architectural fusion makes it one of the finest examples of traditional residential buildings in the Kunming area.
Architectural Features
The entire courtyard, with its bricks, tiles, stones, and wood, as well as the indoor furnishings, has withstood the test of time, preserving the construction characteristics of Qing Dynasty architecture. Today, Maolu Cottage stands as one of the few remaining examples of its kind in Kunming.
After its renovation, the restaurant was named “Yikeyin Lao Fangzi” (昆明老房子), serving local Yunnan (云南) cuisine. Notable traditional dishes include:
- Qiguo Chicken (汽锅鸡)
- Erkuai (饵块)
- Steamed Rice (炊锅)
These dishes reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region, making Maolu Cottage a delightful destination for both history enthusiasts and food lovers.
