Ancestral Hall of the An Family

Era: Qing Dynasty (1720 AD)

Address: No. 2, Siyi Bureau Hutong, Guyi Street, Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin

Category: Ancient Architecture

The “Ancestral Hall of the An Family” was first built in 1720 and has a history of 285 years to date. An Wenzhong, a pioneer of the Dàyíng (camp-following merchant) movement, was born and grew up here. The building was renovated into a family shrine in the 23rd year of the Republic of China (1934), and later changed ownership several times. In 2001, it was established as the Ancestral Hall of the An Family, approved as a district-level cultural relic protection unit by the Xiqing District Government. In 2002, major restoration work was carried out on the building, and in September 28, 2003, the Yangliuqing New Year Painting Museum was opened to the public here.

Era: Qing Dynasty (1720 AD)

Address: No. 2, Siyi Bureau Hutong, Guyi Street, Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin

Category: Ancient Architecture

The “Ancestral Hall of the An Family” was first built in 1720 and has a history of 285 years. It is the birthplace and childhood home of An Wenzhong, a pioneer of the Dàyíng (camp-following merchant) movement. The structure was converted into a family ancestral hall in 1934, changed hands multiple times afterward. In 2001, it was turned into the Ancestral Hall of the An Family, designated as a district-level cultural relic protection unit by the Xiqing District Government. A large-scale renovation was conducted in 2002, and on September 28, 2003, the Yangliuqing New Year Painting Museum was established and officially opened to the public.

The Ancestral Hall of the An Family faces south and consists of two courtyards of a traditional siheyuan compound, covering a construction area of 630 square meters. It features high bluestone platforms and precisely jointed bricks, showcasing the typical architectural style of the Qing Dynasty.

In front of the hall flows the South Canal, with boats coming and going, willows swaying along both banks, and idyllic scenery resembling a painted landscape. With profound cultural heritage, beautiful natural surroundings, and a uniquely advantageous geographical location, the area has formed its own distinctive regional folk culture.

Yangliuqing Town: Situated at a strategic location near the capital, Yangliuqing Town is the seat of the Xiqing District Government and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the district. The town is located in the western part of Tianjin, bordering Zhongbei Town and Yangliuqing Farm to the east, Zhangjiawo Town to the south, Xinkou Town to the southwest, Wuqing District to the northwest, and Beichen District to the north. It covers an area of 64 square kilometers, with the built-up town area spanning 13 square kilometers. The town government administers 25 administrative villages and streets, along with 29 neighborhood committees, and has a total population of 120,000, making it the largest township in Tianjin and the Bohai Economic Rim.