Year of construction: Guangxu (1874-1908), Qing Dynasty

Type: Julou

Owner: Zhou Chengmin

Xunzhi Xuan has a history of over 110 years. It is located in Zixing Village, Tangkou Town. The housemaster is a 67-year-old man, Zhou Qiyou. His great-grandfather Zhou Chengmin made a living in America and built this watchtower with the money earned.

Zhou Qiyou and his family have been living in the blockhouse for decades and it has become an indispensable part of their lives, though the rooms are small and not as convenient as modern residential buildings.

Everyday, Zhou and his wife spend hours in their orchard weeding the soil, taking care of the fruit trees and planting vegetables, or, chatting happily with other elder men under the tree at the village entrance. Zhou said that he would feel uncomfortable moving to the bustling downtown building. As the saying goes, "East or west, home is best".

Author: Cindy

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