A Study on the Early Jesuit Architecture in Guangdong-Jiangxi Region: An Architectural Investigation of Matteo Ricci's Shaozhou Residence

This paper examines the formative development of Jesuit architecture in China, with particular focus on its historical trajectory, strategic evolution, and characteristic architectural typologies as manifested in the Guangdong and Jiangxi regions. The northern Guangdong area where the Beijiang River and Ganjiang River basins converge—served as a crucial hub for Matteo Ricci and fellow missionaries to implement culturally adaptive localization strategies. Drawing upon archival research and field investigations, this paper specifically analyzes the architectural configuration and probable site location of the Shaozhou residence. The study further identifies distinctive patterns in Jesuit architectural site selection along major waterways, which typically corresponded with established trade networks. The Shaozhou residence exemplifies a pivotal transitional phase in Jesuit architecture, bridging its European origins with subsequent Sinicized adaptations. As such, it represents a significant landmark in pre-modern East-West cultural exchange and transportation history.