The Gaoqian Ancient Folk Residence Complex is located in Baita Town in the western part of picturesque Xianju County, 19 kilometers away from the county seat. Surrounded by mountains and winding rivers, it enjoys convenient transportation access.

Boasting a grand scale, sophisticated layout and complete preservation, the ancient residential compound has stood intact for hundreds of years. The residences feature elegant exteriors, neat facades and sturdy wooden frames. They are particularly renowned for exquisite stone and wood carvings embedded on window frames, door lintels and railings.

These delicate carvings boast diverse styles: some plain and primitive, some balanced and symmetrical, some concise and minimalist, others intricate and elaborate; certain pieces are bold and imposing, while others fine and meticulous. They epitomize the carving art of ancient Chinese dwellings, holding immense value for appreciation and academic research. Especially breathtaking are the hollowed-out wood carvings of animals and flowers, as well as relief wood carvings depicting figures and historical tales.

Gaoqian Ancient Folk Residences served as the ancestral settlement of the Wu Clan. Thirteen ancient mansions imitating the Hall of Supreme Harmony from the Ming and Qing dynasties are well-preserved here, forming a typical settlement of a prominent Jiangnan aristocratic clan.

The Wu Clan traces its origin to Wu Yinqing, a Palace Attendant of the Later Liang during the Five Dynasties. The clan produced numerous outstanding historical figures, including Wu Fu, Academician of the Dragon Diagram Pavilion in the Northern Song Dynasty, Wu Jian, Left Chancellor of the Southern Song Dynasty, and Wu Shilai, Left Censor-in-Chief of the Ming Dynasty. During the 17th generation, Wu Shu, Vice Marshal of Eastern Zhejiang, General of Huaiyuan and Magistrate of Xianju County, moved his clan to settle in Gaoqian.

Local villagers still live and work within the ancient residences to this day. The residents are cheerful, dexterous and lead simple lives, retaining many traditional customs such as spinning yarn, weaving ribbons, straw sandal making, pounding New Year rice cakes and holding Buddhist rituals. Harmoniously blending human life with ancient architecture, the tranquil, unworldly atmosphere fills visitors with admiration.