Taiping Rebellion Murals

Taiping Rebellion Murals

The Taiping Rebellion murals were painted in a branch ancestral hall of the Cao family in Wangchuan, Jixi County, Anhui Province. This branch hall, named "Jiusi Hall," was built by Cao Liheng during the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty. According to relevant sources, shortly after its completion, "Jiusi Hall" became a campsite for Taiping Rebellion soldiers. The murals inside "Jiusi Hall" serve as a portrayal left by the Taiping Rebellion soldiers on this land. The mural set consists of seven panels, the most prominent of which is the "Siege of the City." According to expert research and related materials, the "Siege of the City" is an authentic record of the Taiping Rebellion soldiers capturing Jingde. It is believed to be the actual work of Taiping soldiers while stationed at Jiusi Hall. In addition to the "Siege of the City," other murals also praise different aspects of the great Taiping Rebellion peasant war. The soaring, wind-blown flags and the majestic, awe-inspiring artillery formations vividly reflect the righteousness and combat strength of the revolutionary war. The Taiping Rebellion murals in Wangchuan were discovered in February 1951. In September 1961, they were designated as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit by the provincial government, which also allocated funds for their restoration and preservation. The site currently houses artifacts used by the Taiping Rebellion, including cannons, broadswords, copper coins, travel permits, flags, and more.