Streets scenes from 'Lao Jie' or Old Street in Tunxi.

Much of this architecture has been restored to its original Ming Dynasty-era appearance (1368-1644). A notable characteristic of Huizhou architecture is the use of 'Horse Head' Gables, the high walls between each individual building above the roofline, first used to stop the spread of fire and second to prevent thieves from jumping roof-top to roof-top. Much of the structural work is done with wooden beams and columns instead of masonry in an attempt to deal with local earthquakes. Many of the doorways, known as 'Pailou' doorways were built of stone rather than wood as it made them more difficult for bandits to sneak into the inner courtyard.