Zhang Family Ancestral Hall in Jing County

Zhang Family Ancestral Hall in Jing County

The Zhang Family Ancestral Hall in Jing County is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Houshan Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, commonly known as the "Zhang Family Ancestral Temple," is located in Houshan Village, Dingjiaqiao Town, Jing County. Originally built in the late Qing Dynasty, it, together with the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, reflects the former prosperity of the Zhang clan.

The branch ancestral hall faces south with a north orientation, comprising two courtyards and one central patio, covering a construction area of 525.18 square meters, and is relatively well-preserved. The upper part of the gate tower prominently displays the four large characters “Zhang Family Branch Ancestral Hall” in brick carvings framed by horizontal beams. There are a total of six brick carving components, consisting of patterns such as two dragons playing with a pearl, nine lions tumbling over a jeweled ball amid a field of brocade, and welcoming and sending-off scenes—these are the most exquisite parts of the entire branch ancestral hall structure. The ancestral hall’s gate tower is tall and imposing, further enhanced by the stone lions and steps at the front, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The front eaves wall combines upper brick carvings and lower stone carvings to form an almost frame-wall style, with a large central area clad in polished floral bricks. Due to their black-and-white textured patterns and the ingenuity of the craftsmen, these floral bricks are arranged to depict landscapes, clouds, and trees, giving them a strong ink-wash painting aesthetic. Together with the black-lacquered lattice door, they highlight the extraordinary grandeur of the ancestral hall. Exquisite carving art is another highlight, fully demonstrating the outstanding talent and artistic creativity of the ancient laboring people.

Every possible decorative element in the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall’s brick, wood, and stone components has been meticulously carved. The patterns blend Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist themes, ranging from auspicious motifs to cautionary symbols. These not only reflect the family’s aspirations for good fortune but also vividly convey Confucian moral teachings within these intricate details.

The Zhang Family Ancestral Hall was restored and reconstructed in 1999, with subsequent repairs carried out over the years, leaving it in relatively good condition. In 2012, it was designated as a “Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Unit.” In 2019, it was listed as a “National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.”

On October 7, 2019, the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall in Jing County was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Houshan Village: Located in the western part of Dingjiaqiao Town, Houshan Village is surrounded on three sides by the Qingyi River and borders Guanzhuang Village to the south. The village administers 40 villager groups, with 1,074 households and a total population of 3,578. It has 3,776 mu of arable land and 8,900 mu of mountainous area. The main crops grown in the village are rice and cotton.

The Houshan Village General Party Branch has 101 members, including 12 female party members. It is divided into 3 party branches, with 3 members on the Party Branch Committee and Secretary Zhang Mu Jin.

Village Party Committee: Secretary — Zhang Mu Jin; Members — Wan Rubin, Zhu Caihong

Village Committee: Director — …; More detailed information about Houshan Village ++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units