Ma Ma Manor Scenic Area
Subtitle: A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Grand Ma Family Manor in Anyang
Introduction: The "First Residence of Central Plains" Nestled in Anyang, Henan Province, the Ma Family Manor stands as a monumental testament to late Qing Dynasty architecture and modern Chinese history. Revered as the "First Residence of the Central Plains," this vast complex was the family estate of Ma Piyao, a high-ranking official who served as the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, adorned with the prestigious first-grade cap button. Its construction began during the Guangxu era and spanned over five decades, reaching completion in the early years of the Republic of China. The manor is celebrated not only for its impressive scale and preservation but also for its unique architectural synthesis, blending the spacious, bright layout of Beijing's traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan), the profound and ornate artistry of Shanxi merchant family compounds, and the distinct blue-brick-and-grey-tile aesthetic characteristic of the Central Plains region. This meticulously planned and majestic complex is often hailed as "a large feudal bureaucratic mansion unparalleled in the land of Zhongzhou."
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Synthesis 1. A Fusion of Architectural Styles The manor's design is a physical narrative of cultural exchange. The overarching layout follows the strict, symmetrical principles of northern Chinese courtyard architecture, ensuring ample space and sunlight within its walls. Within this framework, one finds the intricate wood carvings, detailed stone bas-reliefs, and lavish decorative motifs typical of the prosperous Jin merchant courtyards, symbolizing wealth and refined taste. Simultaneously, the extensive use of locally sourced blue bricks and grey roofing tiles firmly roots the structure in its Henan locale, creating a harmonious yet imposing visual identity that is both grand and distinctly regional.
2. Layout and Key Structures The complex is divided into multiple interconnected sections, including residential quarters, ancestral temples, study halls, gardens, and utility yards. Each courtyard serves a specific purpose, arranged along central axes that reflect Confucian principles of order and hierarchy. Visitors can explore the main reception halls, the family's private living areas, and the elegant rear gardens, with every gateway, screen wall, and roof ridge telling a story of craftsmanship and social status from a bygone era.
A Witness to Modern China's Turbulent History Beyond its architectural splendor, the Ma Family Manor is a silent witness to over a century of pivotal historical events. Its walls have sheltered figures who shaped the nation's destiny.
1. An Imperial Sojourn During the tumultuous Boxer Rebellion, the manor served as a temporary refuge for the Qing court. Empress Dowager Cixi and the Guangxu Emperor resided here on their flight from Beijing, leaving an indelible imperial mark on the estate. This event elevates the manor from a private home to a site of national historical significance.
2. Headquarters for Revolution Decades later, during the Chinese War of Resistance against Japan, the manor transformed once again. It was commandeered as the temporary headquarters for the Liu-Deng Army, led by the legendary generals Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping. This chapter imbues the site with a profound revolutionary legacy, connecting it to the narrative of China's struggle and eventual renewal.
3. Preservation Through Time Remarkably, despite these historical upheavals and the passage of time, the Ma Family Manor has survived almost entirely intact. It has withstood the elements and societal changes, allowing visitors today to experience its grandeur with minimal diminishment of its original character and atmosphere.
Practical Visitor Information 1. Transportation Reaching the manor is straightforward. A direct tourist shuttle bus is available from Anyang. The bus, marked with "马氏庄园" (Ma Family Manor) on the front windshield, departs from a spot approximately 100 meters in front of the Anyang Railway Station. Departure times are typically at 7:10 AM and 2:00 PM, with return trips scheduled for 8:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. Alternatively, visitors can take a public bus from Anyang to Shuiye Town. Upon boarding, inform the conductor of your destination. Disembark at the Ma Family Manor intersection and transfer to a local minivan for the final short journey directly to the manor entrance.
2. Ticket Information Admission to the Ma Family Manor is priced at 60 RMB per person. This fee grants access to the entire historic complex, its courtyards, and exhibition halls.
3. Opening Hours The operating hours vary slightly by season: * Summer (June 1 - August 31): 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Last entry is at 5:00 PM. * Winter (December 1 - February 28/29): 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Last entry is at 4:30 PM. The manor is open seven days a week throughout the year. It is advisable to allocate a minimum of three hours for a comprehensive visit to fully appreciate the scale and details of the estate.
Information last updated: February 12, 2023. Credits and thanks to contributors Vvvvvvv and Wangji for their editorial input.