Xiashan Ke Family Ancestral Temple

Xiashan Ke Family Ancestral Temple

The Xiashan Ke Family Ancestral Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.

The Ke Family Ancestral Temple is located in Zhai’nei, Yangnei Neighborhood Committee, Xiashan Subdistrict, Chaonan District, Shantou City, locally known as the "Ke Ancestral Hall." In April 2000, it was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the former Chaoyang City.

According to the *Chronicles of Chaoyang County*, the Ke Family Ancestral Temple was first built in the 10th year of the Shaoxing era (1140) during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty. It was constructed by Ke Yiwu, a Jinshi of the Jianyan era and an academician at the Imperial College. During the Ming Dynasty, descendants of the Ke family renovated it according to the original design. In the 43rd year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1704), the Gongsheng scholar Ke Wenjin oversaw a comprehensive reconstruction, including the expansion of the three-mountain gate. Thanks to continuous renovations over the dynasties, the ancestral temple has been well preserved. From 1928 to 1992, it housed the Xiashan Yangnei Primary School. In 1986, clan members raised over 170,000 yuan for restoration.

The total construction area of the Ke Family Ancestral Temple is 1,005 square meters. The overall architecture is grand, solid, and simple yet elegant. The main gate is a three-mountain gate, with a plaque inscribed with the four characters “柯氏家庙” (Ke Family Ancestral Temple). On both sides of the gate are couplets inscribed by Zhou Fenglai, the third-place scholar (Tanhua) of the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi era:

Streams and hills cast emerald reflections; ancient orchids and osmanthus exude fragrance—Noble lineage stands tall.

At the mountain gate are four three-dimensional stone carvings of figures, with four relief carvings of flowers and birds on each side. The carvings are exquisite and lifelike. Entering the courtyard, there is a stone horse trough—a relic from the Song Dynasty. Beyond the courtyard is a central hall, which serves as the middle hall of the entire ancestral temple. Further ahead is another courtyard, followed by the rear hall. The main structure follows a layout of three halls, two courtyards, and a worship pavilion. A plaque hangs in the rear hall, inscribed with the words “追远堂” (Hall of Revering Ancestors).

Adjacent to the rear courtyard and connecting to the rear hall is the worship pavilion. The stone pillars of the pavilion are inscribed with couplets gifted by notable figures from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Through generations, the attire and rituals shine bright; music and classics endure as the sun and moon eternally honor the sacrifices.

This couplet was gifted by Cai Qing, the Minister of Rites and Grand Secretary who served as the Sacrificial Official of the Imperial College during the Ming Dynasty.

Ancient trees still echo past glories; forebears nurtured roots deep. New timber reflects modern hues; descendants continue to paint their legacy.

This couplet was gifted by Zhao Yao, the Minister of the Dali Temple during the Ming Dynasty.

Originating from Putian, green leaves thrive; the noble lineage of top imperial scholars begins. Springs of fragrant waters rise; the scholarly family’s reputation spreads.

This couplet was gifted by Luo Lun, the top imperial scholar of the Ming Dynasty.

The Ke Family Ancestral Temple is a historic folk ancestral hall. The temple features 50 stone pillars and 20 wooden pillars, with a mixed beam-frame structure combining raised beams and through-tenon joinery. The woodworking ranges from bold to intricately carved, with smooth lines and aesthetic patterns, showcasing distinct architectural styles of the Song and Ming dynasties. Given its large scale, long history, and relatively well-preserved condition, the temple holds significant historical, cultural, and artistic value for the study of folk ancestral halls in the province. According to members of the Ke Family Ancestral Temple Council, the application to designate the temple as a Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit has been approved.

Yangnei Community: Overview of Yangnei Community

Yangnei Community was originally part of Yangcun Township along with Donghu Township and Dongshan Township. In 1956, after the villages were split, it was renamed Yangnei Township. The community consists of five natural villages: Yangguang, Xiacao, Shangcao, Hemei, and Yulu. It borders Liannan Village to the east and the Xiashan Cultural Palace to the west.

The community currently has 1,100 households and a population of 6,830. The jurisdiction covers an area of 1,262 mu, with 750 mu of arable land. In 2009, the total industrial and agricultural output value was 246,519,000 yuan. There are 85 Party members in the village, and the two committees consist of seven members in total. … More detailed information about Yangnei Community++

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units