The Shen Clan Ancestral Hall in Shilin

The Shen Clan Ancestral Hall in Shilin

The Shen Clan Ancestral Hall in Shilin is a cultural relic protection unit of Yuyao City.

The Shen Clan Ancestral Hall is located southwest of Shilin Village, Dalan Town, Yuyao City, Zhejiang Province. It was first built in the fourth year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1824), initiated upon the proposal of the clan leader Wenjue Gong and funded through collective contributions from the entire village. At that time, only the rear section with five bays was constructed. In the fifteenth year of the Daoguang reign, the front section of five bays was added, and in the second year of the Xianfeng reign, it underwent renovation with the addition of left and right wing corridors.

The overall structure of the ancestral hall faces northwest, featuring a front screen wall and a rear courtyard enclosed by two sections and wing corridors, with a stage at the center. The central bay of the front hall connects to the rear stage and faces the rear section. The side wing corridors are linked to the front hall and served as viewing areas for women. The building has a width of three bays and is supported by three-rafter beams.

The Shen Clan Ancestral Hall is solemn and dignified, representing a typical example of traditional Jiangnan-style ancestral architecture while also reflecting the heritage of the Shen family, making it of considerable historical value.

On September 23, 2014, the Yuyao Municipal People's Government designated it as part of the sixth batch of municipal-level cultural relic protection units.

Shilin Village: [Village Overview] Shilin Village is located in the southeastern part of Dalan Town, Yuyao City, Zhejiang Province. Built against the mountains, it features a terrain that is higher in the west and lower in the east, with a well-arranged and compact layout. The village paths twist and turn, and the alleys are serene, forming a culturally rich and well-preserved ancient settlement. Situated on a highland plateau with an average elevation of 550 meters, the area enjoys abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and distinct seasons. With beautiful scenery and fresh, clean air, it boasts a wealth of distinctive local tourism resources, including the national 4A-level scenic area known as “Dan Mountain and Red Water.” Due to its pleasant landscapes and unique features, the village was once chosen as a filming location for the movie “Dawn”... More detailed information about Shilin Village++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units in Yuyao City