The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall

Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall

The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall is a cultural tourism attraction.

Ancestral halls, as historical testimonies to the Hakka people’s reverence for their ancestors, are nothing out of the ordinary in southern Jiangxi. Yet, as you approach the Zongsheng Gong Ancestral Hall located in Zhenzai Village, Chengxiang Town, Quannan County, you can’t help but be struck by its breathtaking presence.

What first catches your eye is its extraordinary grandeur. Stretching 52.8 meters in length, 18.5 meters in width, and 9.7 meters in height, the hall covers a floor area of 976.8 square meters. Such a massive ancestral hall is a rare sight in Quannan and even throughout southern Jiangxi. Looking up, you see blue bricks, red doors, carved beams, painted rafters, and upturned eaves—though weathered by time, they still exude a unique vitality, like a weather-beaten yet serene elder who commands quiet respect.

This is the Zongsheng Gong Ancestral Hall, an ancient structure with over 600 years of history and profound cultural significance.

The ancestral hall was first built in the second year of the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty (1404 AD) and completed in the seventh year of Yongle (1409 AD). It was constructed by Rong Qianjiulang, the founding ancestor of the local Zeng clan, to enshrine their progenitor, Zengzi (also known as Zeng Shen). Zengzi was the orthodox successor of Confucius’ philosophy and, together with Confucius, Mencius, and Yan Hui, is revered as one of China’s “Four Sages,” known as the “Sage of Ancestral Worship” (hence the name of the hall). He inherited Confucius’ teachings, laid the foundation for Confucian and Mencian schools of thought, compiled the Analects, authored the Classic of Filial Piety, and wrote the Great Learning. His political philosophy of self-cultivation and governance, his view on self-discipline and introspection, and his emphasis on filial piety, sincerity, and cultivating one’s aspirations have influenced Chinese history for over 2,000 years.

The Zongsheng Gong Ancestral Hall is divided into three sections: the front hall, the middle hall, and the upper hall. The front hall has three gates and six openings, with a pair of stone drum carvings of dragon heads at the main entrance. The ceiling is adorned with carvings, etchings, and paintings—each pattern vivid and symbolic of good fortune. Particularly eye-catching is the coiling dragon motif at the center of the ceiling, spanning over two meters in diameter, full of vitality and dynamic energy.

Stepping over the high threshold into the middle hall, you are greeted by a large open courtyard, about 100 square meters in size, ensuring that the spacious hall is well lit. Surprisingly, right in the middle of the courtyard stands an ancient well that still provides clear, flowing water. This architectural design—featuring both an overhead courtyard and an underground well—is extremely rare among Hakka ancestral halls in southern Jiangxi.

In the lofty central hall hangs a plaque inscribed with three bold characters: “Chong Xiao Tang” (Hall of Filial Reverence). This was inscribed by Zeng Ruzhao, a scholar-official of the Ming Dynasty during the Wanli era, who achieved the rank of Minor Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices (a fourth-rank official). Throughout history, few from Quannan have served as high-ranking officials, and Zeng Ruzhao stands out among them. According to the Quannan County Annals, Ruzhao was an exemplary official who strongly advocated for the people’s welfare, successfully petitioned to abolish extra taxes imposed on his hometown, and boldly advised Emperor Wanli to eliminate superstitious practices and practice caution and diligence. Such integrity and compassion were rare in the corrupt and incompetent court of Emperor Wanli. From the plaque’s inscription, it’s evident that he also took great care in promoting family values and educating future generations. Zengzi’s philosophy of filial piety has become a spiritual legacy passed down through generations of the Zeng clan.

Passing through the corridor from the middle hall and turning past the screen door, you enter the upper hall. Here, another courtyard—about 30 square meters—offers excellent natural lighting. Looking up, you’ll see another plaque hanging from the front eaves: “Zan Ying Shi Jia” (Family of Noble Officials). The right pillar reads “Nobles Assist National Governance,” while the left reads “Noble House Holds Profound Wisdom,” showcasing the Zeng clan’s distinguished heritage of scholarly excellence and official prominence.

The ceiling marks the sacred space where the Zeng clan worships their ancestors. A grand ancestral shrine is installed here, with its base adorned with decorative panels featuring auspicious creatures such as horses, cranes, lions, and qilins, and its sides fitted with lattice windows arranged like a chessboard—exquisite and solemn. The ancestral tablets of the Zeng family are enshrined here, with hundreds of spirit tablets displayed across several tiers in an awe-inspiring array. On the 13th day of the third lunar month each year, local Zeng clan members gather here to hold the “Tai Gong Hui” ceremony, offering feasts, paying tribute to their ancestors, and praying for blessings in a joyous and lively atmosphere. Experts note that the “Tai Gong Hui” is a unique tradition of this branch of the Zeng clan in Quannan, having been practiced for over 400 years. It embodies values of filial piety, integrity, kindness, and harmony, reflecting the enduring influence of Zengzi’s teachings.

On either side of the upper hall are two pavilions, each with two side rooms. Standing in these pavilions, one can fully appreciate the ingenious architectural design of the ancestral hall: though built in the traditional Hakka walled-compound style, it breaks from conventional Hakka residential designs—thick walls, small windows, narrow courtyards, and dim lighting—to present a grand and dignified appearance. Even more astonishing is the fact that the entire structure is supported by 54 wooden pillars, with diameters of either 0.42 or 0.22 meters and a height of 7.4 meters. All beams are slightly arched, and the main beams are connected via mortise-and-tenon joints, secured with transverse wedges. Every aspect, from overall structure to minute details, adheres to principles of mechanics. This is why the Zongsheng Gong Ancestral Hall has stood firmly for over 600 years despite wind and rain.

The majestic Zongsheng Gong Ancestral Hall tightly binds together a clan united by blood. Its rich cultural heritage and unique timeless charm are attracting more and more people from outside the clan to visit, admire, and explore the profound Hakka culture it embodies.