Han Wengong Ancestral Hall (Han Yu Memorial Hall)

Han Wengong Ancestral Hall (Han Yu Memorial Hall)

The Han Wengong Ancestral Hall (Han Yu Memorial Hall) is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a key cultural relics protection unit of China, and a patriotic education base.

The Chaozhou Han Wengong Ancestral Hall is the site of one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Chaozhou,” known as “Han Ancestral Hall and Oak Trees.” It is also the most well-preserved and oldest existing memorial hall in China dedicated to Han Yu, one of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties. With a history of over 800 years, Han Yu, courtesy name Tuizhi, was also known as Han Changli because he claimed his family originated from Changli. He was a famous writer, philosopher, and an educator who had a profound influence on later generations during the Tang Dynasty. As an advocate of the Classical Prose Movement in the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu, through his outstanding literary works, swept away the flowery and ornate writing style that had dominated since the Six Dynasties period, ushering in a glorious era in the history of Chinese prose. His impact on future generations was immense and far-reaching, earning him the praise of having “revived literature after eight generations of decline.” Born in 768 AD in Meng County, Henan Province, Han Yu grew up in a minor official’s family with a strong Confucian traditional and literary atmosphere. From a young age, he studied diligently and aspired to contribute to society. However, life had other plans—Han Yu’s life was full of ups and downs, with more setbacks than successes.

In the 14th year of the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty (819 AD), Han Yu, then serving as Vice Minister of Justice (equivalent to today’s deputy minister) in the capital Chang’an, incurred the emperor’s wrath by opposing Emperor Xianzong’s plan to welcome Buddhist relics into the capital for worship. As a result, he was demoted to serve as Prefect of Chaozhou (equivalent to today’s municipal party secretary). This distant demotion to Chaozhou was the greatest political setback in Han Yu’s life. However, rather than becoming disheartened or giving up due to his uncertain future, Han Yu dedicated himself to matters of great benefit to the nation and its people. During his brief eight-month tenure in Chaozhou, Han Yu promoted education, drove out man-eating crocodiles, freed slaves, and showed concern for agriculture and sericulture. All these actions were regarded by successive feudal officials as models of benevolent governance. They were also remembered and widely celebrated by the people of Chaozhou, earning him the praise that his “contributions were no less than those of Yu the Great.” Han Yu passed away in 824 AD in the capital Chang’an at the age of 56 and was posthumously honored with the title “Wen” (literary), leading later generations to respectfully call him Han Wengong. Although his time in Chaozhou lasted only eight months, Han Yu achieved remarkable governance results.

Chaozhou Han Wengong Ancestral Hall

Especially in terms of governance philosophy and unifying public sentiment, Han Yu emphasized “governing with virtue” and “transforming the people through virtue.” To develop education, he even donated his salary to establish a state school and personally promoted social harmony and stability. As a result, after Han Yu left office, Chaozhou saw a flourishing literary culture and the emergence of many talented individuals. The teachings of Han Wengong not only earned Chaozhou the reputation of being a “land of etiquette” but also became a spiritual pillar that inspired generations of Chaozhou people to strive for self-improvement. This spirit accompanied them as they continued to write the immortal legend of “the Haidai Zoulu (a land of culture by the sea)” on this historically rich and magical land. To commemorate Han Yu, the people of Chaozhou even renamed their mountains and rivers after him—the river is called the Han River, and the mountain is called Han Mountain. The Han Wengong Ancestral Hall was built on Han Mountain to honor this great sage.

Address: No. 18, Dongxing North Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City

Type: Ancestral Hall & Historical Site

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0768-2523581

Opening Hours:

8:30-17:00

Ticket Information:

Free admission.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of Key Cultural Relics Protection Units of China