This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The Baogailou ancient building complex is located on the east and west sides of the center of Baogai Village, Baogai Town, covering about 30 mu, and was first built in the late Song Dynasty. Legend says that when Hengyang Prefect Liao Hanyi passed through this place, he saw the pleasant mountains and waters and the elegant environment, and so built a house and settled here. At a time of military upheaval, in order to protect the family, he built a seven-story tall building here, called the Family Protection Tower. Because of its rich resources, it was later called Baogailou. From then on, for several li around, all was inhabited by the Liao surname. At present there are still more than 300 households living in this ancient building complex, among which the Liao Family Great House is especially magnificent. On both sides of the main gate are a pair of large stone lions that in ancient times displayed power and status; on both sides stand seven large round wooden columns of hard wood; at the center of the top of the gate hangs a large plaque written in vermilion lacquer, "Inheriting the Ancestors' Grace," which during the Cultural Revolution was replaced by a large plaque reading "Farming for the Revolution"; more than 50 carved wooden dragon heads on the upturned eaves of the gate tower shine brilliantly in the sunlight.
Stepping through the main gate, eight thick round columns of castanopsis wood leap into view. These eight large columns, about two zhang tall, support the main structure of the hall. Then comes a large light well with ample daylight, making the whole hall appear spacious and open. The first and second sections of the hall have side doors on the left and right, which are the necessary passages for the several hundred households of the whole village to reach the hall. In the center of the third section of the hall is an offering platform, used by later generations to sacrifice to ancestors. On the wall on the right side is inlaid a stone stele inscribed with the names and amounts of those who donated money for the renovation of the great house during the Daoguang period, making it the best historical witness of Baogailou.
Although the Baogailou ancient building complex was damaged during the Cultural Revolution, under the great protection of the local villagers the ancient building complex is still relatively well preserved. An ancient building complex on the scale of Baogailou is still rarely seen in our city.
