The Hao Family Ancestral Hall and Residence

The Hao Family Ancestral Hall and Residence

The Hao Family Ancestral Hall and Residence are designated as a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Jiangsu Province.

The Hao Family Ancestral Hall and Residence are located in Haorong Village, Gewu, and are classified as important modern historical sites and representative architecture. The ancestral hall was originally built during the Ming Dynasty and renovated during the Republican era. The Hao family residence was constructed in April 1919, featuring a three-bay layout with connecting halls. It has wing rooms and corridors along the southeastern wall, covering a land area of 307.45 square meters and a building area of 165 square meters. The entire architectural complex is well laid out, with a balanced composition. It features small bricks, blue tiles, carved beams, painted rafters, and wooden eaves with decorative tiles, exemplifying the typical late Qing Dynasty residential architectural style of the Lixiahe region. The interior displays precious materials such as photographs and manuscripts from the life of Mr. Hao Bozhan. The ancestral hall consists of two main structures: the main hall and the southern wing, measuring 23.40 meters from north to south and 23.42 meters from east to west, forming a square shape. The surrounding walls and courtyard exhibit the garden architectural style of southern Jiangsu. Above the main gate is a plaque inscribed with the words “Dragon and Phoenix, Spirit and Wonder,” handwritten by Hao Xuling, father of the renowned Taiwanese figure from Yandu, Hao Bozhan. The entire structure boasts vermilion-painted pillars and elaborately carved beams and painted rafters, reflecting a unique family architectural culture.

In December 2011, the People's Government of Jiangsu Province listed it as part of the seventh batch of provincial-level cultural heritage protection units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Jiangsu Province