Shi Lang’s Residence, Ancestral Hall, and Tomb

Shi Lang’s Residence, Ancestral Hall, and Tomb

Shi Lang’s Residence, Ancestral Hall, and Tomb is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Shi Lang’s residence and ancestral hall are located in Yako Village, Nanlonghu, Jinjiang City, the birthplace of Shi Lang. The original residence and hall from Shi’s hometown were destroyed and no longer existed during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. They were rebuilt in the winter of 1687 (the 26th year of the Kangxi reign) and completed in the autumn of the following year. The ancestral hall complex includes the East, West, and Central courtyards, as well as the Duyeh Office, Xiaozong, and Houfu residences, among which the Jinghai Marquis Mansion is the grandest. Located west of the hall and facing south, it is a large three-courtyard double-winged structure, featuring a post-and-lintel wooden frame, flush gable roof, three entries with five bays, and a total of 66 rooms of various sizes, covering a construction area of 2,175 square meters and a site area of 3,560 square meters. It is a typical traditional Ming-style residential building in Quanzhou, commonly known as a “palace-style mansion,” reflecting the simple and elegant style of Ming architecture. The Shi Clan Ancestral Hall was originally built in the 13th year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty (1640), but was destroyed during the coastal evacuation in the early Qing Dynasty. Due to Shi Lang’s meritorious service in recovering Taiwan, he was granted the title of Jinghai Marquis, and the ancestral hall was rebuilt in 1687. It has been repaired through the generations and remains relatively intact today. The hall has three sections, built with brick and wood, featuring black pillars and red eaves, presenting a solemn yet graceful appearance. The front, middle, and rear halls are aligned along a central axis, forming a neat and respectful layout. Corridors on both sides connect them into an enclosed architectural complex. The front hall serves as the mountain gate, with a flush gable roof, a five-bay facade, and a large central door flanked by two stone lions, combining solemnity with elegance. A plaque inscribed with “Shi Clan Ancestral Hall” hangs prominently above the gate. The middle hall, also called “Shude Hall,” has five bays and a flush gable roof. The hall is spacious and bright, formerly used as a place for clan discussions. In front of the hall hangs a plaque inscribed with “The World’s Number One Clean Official,” awarded to Shi Shilun, a Qing Dynasty governor of Yangzhou.

Shi Lang, courtesy name Zunhou and art name Zhuogong, was a renowned general in the early Qing Dynasty. After surrendering to the Qing, he was appointed as the deputy commander of Tong’an under the Qing army, soon promoted to commander of Tong’an, and then to the Fujian Navy Commander. He led troops stationed in Tong’an, Haicheng, and Xiamen, participating in the Qing army’s offensives and pacification efforts against the Zheng forces. Due to his “defection from Zheng to the Qing,” Shi Lang is a rather controversial historical figure, with widely varying opinions and interpretations about him.

Shi Lang was originally from Fangji Town, Gushi County, Henan Province. In his early years, he was a subordinate of Zheng Zhilong. In 1646 (the 3rd year of the Shunzhi reign), he followed Zheng Zhilong... More details about Shi Lang++

Yako Village: Yako is located in the eastern part of Longhu Town, Jinjiang City. The village was established in the latter part of the Northern Song Dynasty and originally belonged to Xiangge Li of Jinjiang County. During the Yuan Dynasty, it was part of the 17th and 18th districts. The Ming and Qing dynasties retained the old administrative divisions. Originally named “Nanxun,” it was renamed “Yako” in the early Qing Dynasty. The ancestors of Yako came from Guangzhou, Henan, with the Shi surname making up the vast majority of the population, along with a small number of people with the Nian surname, among others. For hundreds of years, the Han and Manchu peoples have lived together harmoniously, integrating into one community and jointly building their home.

[Administrative Division] Yako Village and Nanxun Village are located in the southeastern part of Longhu Town, with a population of over ten thousand and an area of nearly ten square kilometers. The main north-south street... More details about Yako Village++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units