Xuzhou Shanxi Guild Hall

Xuzhou Shanxi Guild Hall

The Xuzhou Shanxi Guild Hall is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

The Shanxi Guild Hall, located at the eastern foot of Yunlong Mountain in Xuzhou, is built against the hillside and faces east. It was first constructed during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, and underwent renovations and expansions in the 47th year of Qianlong (1782), the 5th year of Daoguang (1825), the 13th year of Guangxu (1887), and the 18th year of Guangxu (1892). During the Cultural Revolution, the Shanxi Guild Hall suffered severe damage. In 1995, it was restored based on historical records, and the statue of Guan Yu was recreated. The current Shanxi Guild Hall covers an area of 4,850 square meters, with a construction area of 1,100 square meters. It features a symmetrical two-courtyard layout, comprising main structures such as the front gate, theater stage, side rooms, rear main hall, and side halls. Five stone tablets recording five rounds of renovation and expansion between the 18th year of Shunzhi (1661) and the 18th year of Guangxu (1892) are embedded in the inner walls of the main hall. Originally built as the Xiangshan Shrine by people from Shanxi to worship the deities of Guan Yu, fire, wealth, and fortune, it was known as the “Guild Hall of the Four Saints.” In the 7th year of Qianlong (1742), fellow Shanxi natives pooled funds to expand it, transforming it into the Shanxi Guild Hall. Worship of the water and fire deities was later discontinued, and only Guan Yu was venerated. It became a spiritual bond and home for Shanxi merchants far from their homeland. Shanxi merchants’ commercial activities in Xuzhou are rarely recorded in local history, but as a home for Shanxi people in Xuzhou, the Shanxi Guild Hall offers later generations a glimpse into their past glory. According to the surviving “Record of the Renovation of Guan Sheng Temple on Yunlong Mountain” tablet from the 18th year of Shunzhi (1661), Shanxi natives residing in Xuzhou often gathered here during seasonal festivals to honor their homeland and celebrate kinship. After the 7th year of Qianlong (1742), the Shanxi Guild Hall underwent multiple reconstructions and expansions. Based on the five surviving stone tablets, the last major renovation took place in the 13th year of Guangxu (1887). The Guangxu-era renovation tablet states that the reason for the renovation was the dilapidated condition of the buildings and peeling paint, which were deemed unworthy of housing the deities. This renovation took four months, leaving the site “renewed and refreshed, regarded by all as a scenic highlight of the area.” A total of 333,853 wen was spent, reflecting the prosperity of Shanxi merchants in Xuzhou at the time.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units