The Danjiao Hall and the Zuo Gong Ancestral Hall

The Danjiao Hall and the Zuo Gong Ancestral Hall

The Danjiao Hall and the Zuo Gong Ancestral Hall are cultural tourism attractions.

The “Danjiao Hall” was the former residence of Zuo Guangdou, located on Beidajie Street in Tongcheng City. Zuo Guangdou (1575–1625), courtesy name Yizhi, art name Fugiu, was a native of Tongcheng and a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. He served as the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, implemented benevolent governance, earned a distinguished reputation in office, and was the mentor of the national hero Shi Kefa. While inspecting the capital, he investigated the Ministry of Personnel for selling official ranks, uncovered seventy fake seals, and identified over a hundred fraudulent officials. He did not curry favor with the powerful, hated evil as if it were his personal enemy, hence named his residence “Danjiao” (literally “Biting Pepper”). His residence consists of three sections: the front section is the gate tower; the middle section covers an area of 110.21 square meters, with the central bay serving as the main hall, i.e., the “Danjiao Hall,” which is 10.3 meters long and 4.1 meters wide, covering an area of 42.22 square meters. The side bays on both sides are the left and right “upper rooms,” each 10.3 meters long and 3.3 meters wide, covering an area of 33.99 square meters; the rear section has four residential rooms, covering a total area of 122.76 square meters, each room being 9.1 meters long and 3.4 meters wide, with an area of 30.94 square meters.

To the west of the “Danjiao Hall” stands the “Zuo Zhongyi Gong Ancestral Hall,” commonly referred to as the “Zuo Gong Ancestral Hall.” Zuo Guangdou was upright and outspoken, fell victim to the disasters caused by Wang Dang, and was imprisoned. In the early years of the Chongzhen reign, when Wang Dang was punished, Zuo’s merits were recognized, and he was posthumously honored with the title “Zhongyi” (Loyal and Righteous). The local people built the ancestral hall to enshrine him. The ancestral hall also has three sections: the front gate tower, while the middle and rear sections feature wooden frameworks, brick walls, and tiled roofs. The central hall is a major structure with seven roof beams plus front and rear supplementary frames, forming a three-bay depth. The architectural style is rather refined, with decorative “elephant-eye” motifs on the main pillars. The main hall covers an area of 114.33 square meters, divided into three bays, with the central bay being 10.3 meters long and 4.4 meters wide, covering an area of 45.32 square meters. The side bays on both sides are each 10.3 meters long and 3.35 meters wide, covering an area of 34.6 square meters. The rear hall covers an area of 102.28 square meters, with the central bay being 9.1 meters long and 3.3 meters wide, covering an area of 30.03 square meters.

The former residence “Danjiao Hall” was initially built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, while the ancestral hall was built during the Chongzhen era, separated by a single brick wall. As they were constructed in two separate phases, their architectural structures differ from each other.

Zuo Guangdou (1575–1625), also known as Gongzhi or Yizhi, with the art name Fugiu, was a native of Zhongyi Village, Hengbu Township (present-day). He became a successful candidate in the imperial examinations in the 35th year of the Wanli era (1607).

His father, Zuo Chu Ying, respectfully called “Zuo Taigong” by the villagers, had nine sons, with Zuo Guangdou being the fifth. Zuo Guangdou came from a poor family but showed great ambition and determination from a young age.

In the 47th year of the Wanli era, when Zuo Guangdou served as the Left Censor-in-Chief, he inspected the capital and was outraged by the criminal activities of arrogant gentry and corrupt officials. In one decisive move, he confiscated over seventy fake seals and arrested more than a hundred fraudulent officers, restoring discipline and causing the wicked officials to retreat in fear. ... Zuo Guangdou — Detailed Information++