Hall of Auspicious Osmanthus

Hall of Auspicious Osmanthus

The former residence of Shentu Kaiji, known as the Hall of Auspicious Osmanthus, is located in the northwest corner of Xiaoyi Cultural Park. Originally built in the late Ming Dynasty, it was reconstructed in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1695). This building features three bays and two courtyards, with a two-story structure made of brick and wood, covering an area of approximately 250 square meters. The architecture is elegant and refined. It forms a cohesive ancient architectural complex along with other historic structures such as Yunzhong Hall, Zhihe Hall, Zhonghe Hall, Yuting Hall, and Rixin Hall.

The Hall of Auspicious Osmanthus boasts a central gate tower that rises several zhang high, beneath which hangs a plaque inscribed with the words “Imperial Edict.” The plaque is surrounded by carvings of two dragons playing with a pearl, all gilded and resplendent. At the bottom of the gate is a bluestone threshold about 30 centimeters high and 4 meters long. Upon entering the gate, you reach the lower hall, with two main rooms situated on the east and west sides. A central courtyard lies between the upper and lower halls, with eaves on all four sides that collect rainwater into the open courtyard. Flanking the courtyard are wing rooms, while the drainage system within the courtyard ensures smooth water flow, complemented by fish tanks and potted plants. The upper hall serves as the central hall, where all major events are held. The main columns feature intricately carved bracket arms (dougong), displaying delicate craftsmanship and clear designs. The overall layout of the hall is simple yet functional, exuding nobility and grandeur through understated elegance.

The Hall of Auspicious Osmanthus has been inhabited by descendants of Shentu Kaiji for generations. In 2006, Shentu Defu and his son, descendants of Shentu Kaiji, invested heavily to comprehensively renovate the hall. Their efforts preserved its original appearance and infused it with new cultural significance for the modern era.

Dipo Village: Located in the eastern part of Jiangnan Town, Tonglu County, Dipo Village in Jiangnan Town sits just across a stream from Changkou in Fuyang. The village comprises 16 villager groups, with a population of 2,335 and 697 farming households. Dipo Village boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage, including three provincial-level cultural heritage sites: the Shentu Ancestral Hall, Baoqing Hall, and Xianhe Hall. In 2006, it was designated as a Provincial Historical and Cultural Village, and in 2007, it was listed among the third batch of National Historical and Cultural Villages. The village covers a total area of 4,866 mu, including 1,144 mu of arable land, 3,664 mu of forestland, 58 mu of water area, and the residential construction area (excluding…… More details about Dipo Village++)