Ning-Shao Lane Shennong Hall

Ning-Shao Lane Shennong Hall

Ning-Shao Lane Shennong Hall is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Shennong Hall is located in Fushan Subdistrict, Kecheng District, Quzhou City, dating back to the Qing Dynasty and the Republican era.

Shennong Hall, situated at No. 11 Ning-Shao Lane, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is also known as the Medicine King Hall. The existing structure was built in the 28th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1763) and underwent renovations after the Guangxu reign, covering an area of approximately 500 square meters.

The hall has a rectangular floor plan, faces south, and features a traditional courtyard layout. Above the main gate hangs a rectangular stone plaque inscribed with “Shennong Hall.” The calligraphy is antique yet refined. On either side are smaller gates, each inlaid with bluestone plaques bearing the characters “Shouguo” (Longevity of the Nation) and “Chuntai” (Spring Terrace), both rendered in an austere, classical style. Upon entering the gate, there stands a vermilion-painted screen with a large imitation bamboo scroll hanging from it, inscribed in clerical script with yellow background and green characters, evoking an ancient ambiance. In the central courtyard, two lush green trees thrive, and beneath their shade sit two large water vats. Small lotus buds and broad lotus leaves float on the water, while a few colorful koi swim playfully. Among the carvings, the bracket arms on the rear eaves columns depict “Liu Hai Playing with the Golden Toad,” with Liu Hai holding a string of six or seven copper coins inscribed with the words “Taiping Tianguo” (Taiping Heavenly Kingdom). The main hall enshrines a statue of Shennong, over ten feet tall, adorned with gold-lacquered details. In his right hand, Shennong holds a ganoderma lucidum; in his left, a bundle of grain spikes, with a vine basket placed between his knees. Above the seated statue of Shennong hangs a large plaque inscribed with the four characters “Zumin Qizu” (Ancestral Founder of the Nation), in black background with gold characters, conveying solemnity and grandeur.

On January 13, 2017, the People's Government of Zhejiang Province designated it as part of the Seventh Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units