Youzhaiping Ancestral Hall

Youzhaiping Ancestral Hall

Youzhaiping Ancestral Hall is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Youzhaiping Ancestral Hall is located in Xinchang Village, Liugeng Town, about 15 kilometers southeast of Jiang’an County. It serves as a valuable physical testament to the feudal clan system and clan activities in southern Sichuan and has been designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit by the provincial government. The ancestral hall was first built in the 15th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1667 AD) and rebuilt in the 10th year of the Daoguang reign (1860 AD). It is the ancestral hall of the Zeng clan in Liugeng Town, constructed by the second-generation ancestors of the Zeng family after they migrated from Hubei to Sichuan. The hall faces southeast and is situated to the northwest, covering a total area of 1,446 square meters with a built-up area of 768 square meters. It has a two-courtyard layout. The front stage and rear auxiliary rooms feature a flush-gable, post-and-lintel construction style, while the rest of the structure adopts a hip-and-gable, post-and-lintel style. The roof is covered with small blue tiles, featuring upturned eaves that create an imposing appearance. The entire architectural complex is logically laid out, fully functional, and richly decorated, offering significant historical, artistic, and academic value.

With a history of over 300 years, the existing structures of Youzhaiping Ancestral Hall are more than 170 years old. Due to frequent changes in usage after the liberation, the building has not received systematic protection. While the main wooden framework of the ancestral hall remains intact, some parts have been damaged, with certain sections suffering severe deterioration—especially the roof of the stage, which has been altered in shape. Some wood carvings have been damaged, certain beams and pillars have decayed, and a small number of purlins and rafters are also rotten.

The Jiang’an County Party Committee, county government, and tourism and cultural management departments have implemented rescue and protection measures for Youzhaiping Ancestral Hall. A dedicated management office for the ancestral hall has been established, and funds have been raised from various sources. Historical records related to the hall have been collected, and restoration work is being carried out in accordance with its original appearance. In the future, this unique cultural landscape embodying the feudal clan style of southern Sichuan will be presented to visitors.

Protected area: The boundary extends 50 meters eastward, 20 meters westward, 30 meters southward, and 30 meters northward from the surrounding wall.

Construction control zone: An area extending 50 meters beyond the protected zone.