Step into Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, and your gaze will naturally rise—toward the intricate roofs that crown its centuries-old buildings. More than just shelter, these architectural marvels tell stories of wealth, status, and artistry from China’s past .
Imagine walking cobblestone streets lined with curved eaves, ceramic tiles gleaming like dragon scales under the sun. In imperial China, roof designs were social media profiles of their time: tiered structures signaled high-ranking families, while symbols like phoenixes or lotus flowers hinted at the residents’ values .
Today, Huishan preserves this living archive. “Every tile holds a secret,” says local guide Li Wei. “The town survived wars and modernization because people here value their roots.” Visitors can now explore restored Ming-era homes and learn how craftsmen mix ancient techniques with modern sustainability—proving old-school cool never goes out of style .
For travelers and culture buffs, Huishan offers more than photo ops. It’s a masterclass in how architecture shapes identity—one rooftop at a time .
Reference(s):
cgtn.com