Grand Ancestral Hall of the Zhong Clan

Grand Ancestral Hall of the Zhong Clan

The Grand Ancestral Hall of the Zhong Clan was built in the 3rd year of the Ming Emperor Hongzhi’s reign (1490) to enshrine the tablets of forefathers of the Zhong clan from the 1st generation to the 6th generation. It is a major place for Zhong clansmen to hold the sacrifices in spring and autumn, discuss and enforce family disciplines and clan rules. The southwest-facing ancestral hall occupies an area of 928 square meters. It consists of front yard, middle yard and back yard and features gabled roof, keel design, carved patterns on eave board, stone foundation, herringbone-shaped fire-sealing gable wall, grey brick wall and brick-paved floor. There are beautiful carved bricks and murals on the lintel. In the 39th year of the Ming Emperor Jiajing’s reign (1560), the Grand Ancestral Hall of the Zhong Clan was reconstructed and added with Jixu Hall and Yongsi Pavilion. Young and old men gather here during the spring and autumn sacrifices. In the 20th year of the Qing Emperor Daoguang’s reign (1840), the ancestral hall underwent renovations due to erosion and historical changes.