The Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall of Changxi

The Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall of Changxi

The Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall of Changxi is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Qing Dynasty

Address: Zhoubangtou Village, Changxi Township, She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

This ancestral hall was first built in the 10th year of the Hongzhi reign during the Ming Dynasty’s Emperor Xiaozong. The main structure covers an area of 747.12 square meters, and its construction took five years from foundation laying to completion. The hall exemplifies the classic architectural style of Huizhou-style buildings from the Ming Dynasty, featuring a simple layout that is rustic yet dignified, and exquisite carvings that are finely detailed, vividly showcasing the characteristics of traditional Huizhou architecture. The roof ridge is topped with specially crafted carved brickwork, adorned with thirteen pairs of exquisitely transparent qilin statues standing opposite each other. Their horn-like edges curve upward, reaching toward the sky, giving a sense of opulence and solemnity. The exterior walls are constructed entirely of double-layered “369”-style blue bricks, extremely sturdy, and the lower wall bases on all four sides are embedded with bluestone foundations, providing excellent waterproofing.

The overall layout of the ancestral hall is divided into five major sections: the porch shed, the red steps (danchi), the main hall, the rear section, and the ancestral tomb chamber, making it a representative example of the “three-sections-and-two-courtyards” style. The site selection of the ancestral hall reflects exceptional ingenuity: it faces south with its back against the Lailong Mountain, surrounded by lush green pines and cypresses. Its entrance fronts the Changyuan River, with rippling green waves and murmuring streams. In front of the hall lie two large open courtyards that can accommodate a thousand people, all paved with cobblestones. A main thoroughfare runs through the courtyards, connecting upstream to Changxi and Shitan, and downstream to Shendu and the county town, bustling with travelers that further enliven the scene at the ancestral hall. Hanging above the main gate are plaques inscribed with titles such as “Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall,” “Imperial Appointment to Governance,” “Bestowed Imperial Scholar,” and “Four Generations of Second-Rank Officials.” Stepping into the Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall, the first thing that catches the eye is the 108.16-square-meter courtyard, flanked by spacious and bright corridors. Ten black “Yixian Qing” square stone pillars surround the space, evoking a sense of antiquity and dignity. Looking up toward the main hall, one can see the large plaque inscribed with “Liushun Hall.” The Zhou clan has long valued farming and scholarship. From the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty — over 400 years — the clan produced four imperial scholars, nineteen juren (successful candidates in the imperial examinations at the provincial level), twenty-three gongyuan (tribute students), and seventy-four xiucai (local scholars). Plaques hung from the beams on both sides of the main hall, inscribed with titles such as “Imperial Scholar,” “Literary Luminary,” “Junior Court Magistrate,” and “Ministry of Personnel Minister,” all testify to the clan’s illustrious achievements. The Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall is now a Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Protected Area: 10 meters beyond the hall walls on the east, west, and south sides; extending to the river embankment on the north.

Construction Control Zone: 50 meters beyond the protected area.

Changxi Township: Located in southern She County, Changxi borders Shendu Town to the west, connects with Wuyang Township to the southeast, and adjoins Tangli Township and Xiakeng Town to the north. It is 30 kilometers from the county seat. The township covers a total area of 20.33 square kilometers, governs 10 administrative villages, 54 villager groups, 2,420 households, and a population of over 8,000.

Changxi has a long history and is known for its talented people. The village was established in the Tang Dynasty. Before the Southern Song Dynasty, it was called Cangxi, and after the Chunxi era of the Song Dynasty, it was renamed Changxi, often referred to as the “First Village of Southern She.” From the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties alone, hundreds of individuals—ranging in rank from second to seventh grade—served as imperial scholars and officials. Among the Huizhou merchants, notable names include “Wu Tea” and “Zhou Lacquer”... More details about Changxi Township++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units