Flanked by houses of varying heights, this 400-meter-long Lane, often referred to as a “star alley” due to its historical significance, was built in the late Ming (1368 to 1644) and early Qing dynasties (1644 to 1912).
It starts at Ma’an Street in the east and stretches to Zhuyun Road in the west, the only ancient bluestone road preserved in the entire city.
Bluestone is a term used to describe a variety of dense, naturally occurring stones that possess a bluish-grey colour. Historically, these stones were often used for paving, building, and other construction purposes due to their durability and attractive appearance.
In the past, Dashi Lane was a favoured location for the residences and ancestral halls of high-ranking officials and scholars. With these grand homes and ancestral halls came an air of refinement, bestowing the lane with its name and legacy.
The footprints of many historical figures, such as Zhong Fang, Zheng Tinghu, Wu Dian, and Wang Guoxian, can still be traced here.
Echoes of the Past
Life awakens with the dawn on Dashi Lane as the sun rises over the white walls, colourful tiles, and traditional pavilions.
Zhong Fang, known as the “Great Confucian of Lingnan” during the Ming and Qing dynasties, once lived here.
His ancestral hall, covering about 2400 square meters, was a grand structure with large courtyards and extensive rooms, but it has unfortunately been lost to time.
In the lane, an ancient well still stands, at its bottom the once clear water is now obscured by vegetation. The well’s stone circle, bears the inscription “Kanghui Spring Dragon God.”
Nearby, stone statues of dragons and dogs add to its mystique. If you look closely, the well reveals deep grooves etched by centuries of ropes hauling buckets of water. These enduring marks bear silent testimony to the generations of residents and families who have relied on this well.
Vanishing Glories
Similarly, the ancestral home of Ming dynasty scholar Zheng Tinghu has faded into history. Only a “Confucian Master” archway, erected by the imperial court in his honour, silently tells the story of past glories.
Historical Residences
At No. 35 Dashi Alley stands the ancestral home of Wang Guoxian, a renowned late Qing scholar. This traditional Lingnan-style residence, with its mountain gate, front hall, rear hall, and kitchen, has undergone significant changes due to post-liberation demolitions and reconstructions, giving way to the relentless march of time.
Ancient Temples
To the east, a group of ancient temples captures echoes of the past. The complex includes the Sansheng Temple, Ma Emperor Temple, and Kang Emperor Temple.
The Sansheng Temple venerates three goddesses, while the Ma Emperor Temple is dedicated to the protector of horses.
The Kang Emperor Temple commemorates Kang Baoyi, a loyal minister who died fighting the Jin invaders during the Song dynasty. Though a typhoon toppled the Kang Emperor Temple in the 1950s, it was later rebuilt next to the Ma Emperor Temple.
During festivals, these temples are vibrant with incense, performances, and music, while on ordinary days, they serve as gathering places for the local community.
A Tapestry of Time
Standing at the end of the lane, you can feel the layers of history. The bluestone road, white walls, coloured tiles, red gates, quiet alleys, ancient banyan trees, curved eaves, bronze door knockers, and carved window lattices create a vivid tableau.
You can almost imagine the ghosts of scholars and literati walking the alleyways, their long robes and sleeves brushing past, making the lane seem timeless.
Dashi Lane, with its rich history and cultural significance, offers a unique glimpse into Haikou’s past, inviting visitors to explore and reflect on the passage of time.
Address: 达士巷 (copy and paste into WeChat maps)
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