Hidden Gems Near Nanjing | Yangliu Village Ancient Qing Dynasty Architecture

🚗 The Yangliu Village Ancient Architecture Complex is located in Yangliu Village, Longdu Township, Jiangning District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, approximately 3 kilometers from Longdu Town and about 40 kilometers from downtown Nanjing. It is a well-preserved architectural relic from the Qing Dynasty. 🚗 Nearly half of the Yangliu Village Ancient Architecture Complex was built by descendants of the Zhu family, with construction beginning in the late Ming Dynasty and most structures erected during the mid-Qing Dynasty. The village houses are mostly nestled between mountains and water, backed by Machang Mountain and facing the shimmering Yangliu Lake, showcasing strong characteristics of Jiangnan water towns. The complex inherits traditional Chinese architectural techniques while incorporating innovations, featuring carved brick stone gatehouses and bluestone-paved paths (with about 40 meters of original stone road remaining). The meticulously designed compounds all face south with multiple courtyard layers, typically having three to five sequential courtyards, with the grandest "Yisheng Hall" boasting seven courtyards and eighteen thresholds. The layout preserves traditional styles: main halls along the central axis flanked by living quarters, with reception rooms, studies, secondary living spaces, kitchens, and utility rooms arranged along side axes, forming three parallel courtyard clusters. Most rear residences are two-story buildings with interconnected upper levels, sharing similarities with other Jiangnan architecture but featuring unique elements like mixed post-and-beam structural systems. This complex represents Nanjing's largest and best-preserved collection of ancient residential architecture. 🚗 Public transportation access is limited (take metro from Nanjing South Station to China Pharmaceutical University station, then transfer by bus followed by a short walk). The area maintains relatively low commercialization, making it ideal for ancient architecture enthusiasts. Driving is recommended for easier access.