Hu Family Ancestral Hall

This ancient hall, which spans a total area of 1,564 square meters, was constructed 1,600 years ago. Since, it has undergone several renovations, first during the reign of Ming Dynasty emperor Jiajing (1521-1567) and again in 1898 at the end of the Qing Dynasty(1636-1919).

The shrine is an ideal showcase for folk art, incorporating many characteristic decorative elements of Huizhou-style architecture, including brick, wood and stone carvings as well as colorful mosaics. The 600-plus woodcarvings are particularly exquisite, such that local residents named the shrine the "Museum of Woodcarving Art". Over the years, Chinese and foreign architecture scholars have praised the Hall's fine decorative features, particularly in light of its age. On Jan 13, 1988, the State Council declared the Hu Family Ancestral Hall a national relic and placed it under the protection of the state.

Hu Family Ancestral Hall