Baoshi Ancestral Hall in She County

Baoshi Ancestral Hall in She County

The Baoshi Ancestral Hall in She County is a cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province.

The Fan Village Baoshi Ancestral Hall was completed in the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign (1787 AD), covering an area of 680 square meters. It is one of the typical well-preserved examples of Qing Dynasty ancestral hall architecture in the region.

The Baoshi Ancestral Hall faces east and has three sections with three bays each, all protected by wooden fences on the exterior. There are octagonal walls on both sides with precisely laid bricks forming “swastika” floral patterns, adorned with sunflower-shaped brick carvings on top and tiger-gate motifs at the bottom, all supported by stone bases above and below. The interior features coiled-canopy eaves and elaborately carved beams and painted rafters. The main hall is divided into three sections with inner and outer courtyards, embraced by two corridors, and is lined with numerous stone and wooden pillars, each with its own story. A plaque inscribed with “Baoshi Ancestral Hall” hangs high, while the front courtyard, known as “Hundred Beasts Terrace,” features six flagpole stands grouped in pairs, sitting grandly in front of the terrace. The hall has three sections and two courtyards, with a clear arrangement of high and low elements. The first section includes a courtyard garden with corridors wrapping around the west and north. The second section is the main hall, where the plaque inscribed with “Dunxu Hall” hangs high, featuring a coiled-canopy ceiling and richly carved beams. The Baoshi Ancestral Hall’s “Dunxu Hall” was completed in the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign (1787 AD). The structure uses bold and massive materials, exuding impressive presence, with a flexible layout and ingenious design. It is one of the typical well-preserved examples of Qing Dynasty ancestral hall architecture in the region.

On October 7, 2019, the Baoshi Ancestral Hall in She County was included in the eighth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

Protected area: 5 meters beyond the perimeter of the ancestral hall, including the front terrace.

Construction control zone: 50 meters beyond the protected area on all sides.

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level