In the heart ofHuangling Ancient Village, the charm ofMing and Qing Dynasty architecture comes alive through intricate artistry. A defining feature of this historic setting is the integration of the“Three Huizhou Carvings”—wood, brick, and stone carvings—which are widely regarded as the essence of Huizhou craftsmanship and culture.

· Wood Carvings: Stories in Timber

Adorning beams, brackets, window lattices, doors, and traditional furniture,Huizhou wood carvings are typically crafted from fragrantcamphor or ginkgo wood. Using techniques such asrelief andopenwork carving, artisans bring to life vivid scenes ofmythology, nature, and daily life—including flowers, birds, fish, insects, and human figures. Characterized by smooth lines, fluid forms, and delicate detail, these carvings blend practicality with artistic elegance.

· Brick Carvings: Mural-Like Masterpieces

Made from finely polishedblue bricks,brick carvings embellishgatehouses, door frames, and screen walls. The process involves carefulbrick selection, layout planning, rough shaping, and fine detailing, resulting in layered compositions that depictlandscapes, pavilions, and traditional village scenes. These works are noted for theirgraceful forms and rich visual storytelling, offering a subtle yet powerful aesthetic.

· Stone Carvings: Strength and Symbolism

Stone carvings use bluestone as their base, adorning column bases, railings, thresholds, and archways with motifs of auspicious animals, cloud patterns, and geometric designs. Though more restrained in ornamentation, their bold and powerful lines convey a sense of grandeur and permanence, often emphasizing symbolic motifs rather than intricate scenes.

Together, the Three Huizhou Carvings inHuangling are not just decorative—they embody the cultural essence of Huizhou philosophy and artistry. Guided by the principle that “every pattern must hold meaning, and every meaning must bring good fortune,” artisans used homophones, metaphors, and visual symbols to infuse their work with blessings for happiness,longevity, prosperity, and harmony.

Together, the Three Huizhou Carvings inHuangling are not just decorative—they embody the cultural essence of Huizhou philosophy and artistry. Guided by the principle that “every pattern must hold meaning, and every meaning must bring good fortune,” artisans used homophones, metaphors, and visual symbols to infuse their work with blessings for happiness, longevity, prosperity, and harmony.

· Bats holding coins symbolize “blessings before the eyes” (a pun in Chinese:fuzai yanqian).

· Lotus and carp together represent “abundance year after year” (lian nian youyu), a wish for ongoing prosperity.

The carvings are seamlessly embedded into the architecture, enhancing both the dignity and elegance of Huizhou design. Their style reflects the influence of regional art forms, such as theXin’an Painting School and Huizhou seal carving, makingHuangling a living museum of traditional aesthetics.

Wood Carving

The brick, wood, and stone carving techniques of Wuyuan have been officially listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting their importance as cultural treasures. InHuangling, many ancient residences feature an array of these carvings—each with its own story and symbolism.

· Brick and wood carvings often adopt high-relief, round, and openwork techniques, creating rich textures and luxuriousdetail.

Stone carvings, while simpler in form, emphasize elegance and symbolism, using shallow reliefs and planar carving to convey meaning.

· Zhuxu Hall: A Showcase of Moral Virtue in Carving

A standout example isZhuxu Hall (Bamboo Void Hall), renowned for its woodcarving mastery. Facing the street, this wooden structure is adorned with intricate reliefs arranged in six narrative scenes—each rooted in Chinese historical classics, and eachembodying Confucian virtues:

· Zhao Zilong Rescuing Adou – Righteousness (Yi)

· Guan Gong Escorting His Sister-in-law for a Thousand Li – Loyalty and affection (Qing)

· Nine Generations Under One Roof – Kindness (Ci)

· Number One Scholar at the Imperial Exam – Wisdom (Zhi)

· King Wen of Zhou Hunting – Benevolence (Ren)

· King Wen Visiting the Sage – Integrity (Xin)

These carvings are not just art—they are moral lessons carved into wood, teaching values through visual storytelling.

 Gatehouse Brick Carvings: Symbols of Family Status and Aspiration

Gatehouses and door canopies—the symbolic entrances of traditional Huizhou homes—are major showcases of brick carving. Built with a combination of stone bases and blue bricks, they often feature formats like “one room with three floors” or “four pillars with five tiers.” These structures function as decorative rain shelters and status symbols, revealing a family’s wealth and social standing.

One remarkable example is the gatehouse ofZhushan Academy, carved in the traditionalWufeng Tower (Five-Phoenix) style. Its layout resembles a scroll painting, with symbolic motifs throughout:

· “Magpies on Plum Branches” – joy and celebration

· “Hoping Sons Become Dragons” – wishing for a child's success

· “Brothers Excel in Exams” and “Mencius’ Mother Educates Her Son” – emphasizing education and virtue

All of these reflect theHuangling community’s deep respect for learning and family legacy.

· Stone Carvings: Subtle Elegance and Deep Symbolism

Due to material constraints, stone carvings are typically more reserved, focusing on natural elements, antiquities motifs, and calligraphy. Yet their messages are no less profound.

· AtZhongwu Hall, floor tiles feature the Chinese character “Fu” (blessing) formed by intertwined dragons and phoenixes, with plum blossom motifs representing the “Five Blessings”.

· Surrounding imagery includes lions playing with a ball (joy for all ages) and dancing butterflies (a pun on continuity and abundance).

· AtWugui Hall (Five Osmanthus Hall), wall carvings depict plum blossoms, bamboo, and a carp leaping the Dragon Gate—a classical metaphor for ambition, perseverance, and cultural refinement.