Wanshou Palace in Zhouzi Ancient Town

Wanshou Palace in Zhouzi Ancient Town

“Where there are people from Jiangxi, there is a Wanshou Palace.” Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, as farmers and merchants from Jiangxi migrated out of the province, Wanshou Palaces were built all over the country.

Historically, Zhoukou Town in Peng’an County was one of the key distribution hubs for goods in the Jialing River basin. In the early days, the area was bustling with merchant ships, attracting traders, wealthy merchants, and skilled craftsmen. Among them, people from Jiangxi were an essential part. The guildhalls served as homes for the widely dispersed Jiangxi people. Fellow migrants living far from home would gather at the guildhalls during festivals to worship their ancestors and express their nostalgia. For newcomers, the guildhalls provided a place to stay as they began a new life journey.

The Wanshou Palace in Zhouzi Ancient Town, Peng’an County, was first built during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. The guildhall was constructed against the natural terrain, situated at the foot of Longjiao Mountain and facing south, overlooking the Jialing River. The building materials used were of high quality, and it is said that all the wood came from Jiangxi. The palace covers a construction area of over 3,000 square meters, featuring a main hall, side halls on both sides, and a rear hall. In front of the gate stands a stone memorial archway about 7 meters high, adorned with intricately carved dragons and figures that are remarkably lifelike. The stage faces the main hall, with beams and pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes. The stage extends beyond the eaves, allowing ample natural light.

Historically, the guildhall served to foster connections among fellow migrants. Additionally, it functioned as a “place for public gatherings and discussions,” where matters such as business affairs, industry regulations, guildhall management, ancestral worship, and theatrical performances were addressed. Moreover, the guildhall also played a role in safeguarding the interests of merchants from the same hometown.

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