The Historical Corridor of Wu Family Mansion

Stepping into the Wu Family Mansion on East Street of Guangfu Town, Yongnian District, Handan, Hebei, is like walking through a corridor of history. Built in the early years of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty by the three Wu brothers to honor their mother, this grand official residence follows the northern architectural style of "four courtyards, three axes, and two sections," featuring over 140 meticulously arranged rooms. As you wander through, exquisite wood and brick carvings adorn the space, alongside precious artifacts like the Imperial Edict Stele, immersing visitors in the rich historical charm and Wu family culture. The mansion was originally constructed to serve the brothers' elderly mother, reflecting the family's deep commitment to filial piety. Additionally, the youngest brother, Wu Heqing (also known as Wu Yuxiang), was one of the founders of Wu-style Tai Chi, adding a unique cultural dimension to the mansion through his martial arts legacy and Tai Chi philosophy. Located at the heart of the ancient city, the Wu Family Mansion is a traditional four-courtyard, three-section grand official residence, encompassing around nine courtyards and six multi-story buildings. With a well-organized layout and a total area of approximately 920 square meters, it stands as the largest and most intact surviving mansion in Guangfu. Its construction began in the early Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. In scale, it rivals the mansions of wealthy Jiangnan merchants, though it lacks the playful charm of garden lakes and rockeries. Currently, this Ming-Qing architectural complex is owned by an anonymous billionaire from Heilongjiang—or perhaps several billionaires. Whoever they are, they’re truly extravagant!