Pingle Yuedong Guild Hall

Pingle Yuedong Guild Hall

The Pingle Yuedong Guild Hall is a cultural heritage site protected by Pingle.

The Yuedong Guild Hall is located at No. 56, Pingle Town Main Street. It was built by people of Guangdong origin residing in Pingle County for social interaction and commercial activities. Construction began in the 14th year of the Shunzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1657), was completed in the 36th year of the Kangxi reign (1697), and underwent renovation in the 11th year of the Jiaqing reign (1806). It was destroyed by fire during the Xianfeng era and later restored during the Tongzhi era. The structure is made of brick, stone, and wood, and consists of a front hall, an inner courtyard, the Heavenly Queen Palace, a kitchen, and other sections. The total area is 496 square meters. The building is shaped like the Chinese character “回” (meaning “return”), with yellow glazed tiles covering the roofs at all four corners and eaves. The lower parts of the eaves feature carved floral hanging panels, and the roof ridges stand 0.5 meters high, adorned with paintings depicting ancient stories and figures.

A total of 14 stone inscriptions recording the various restorations of the guild hall throughout history are embedded in the walls. On November 27 of the 10th year of the Republic of China (1921), Sun Yat-sen, while on his way north for the Northern Expedition, stopped in Pingle and was invited to attend a welcoming tea party held by local people of Guangdong origin in this guild hall. The carvings and paintings on the buildings were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.