Ancient Stage of Zhensi Ancestral Hall

Ancient Stage of Zhensi Ancestral Hall

The ancient stage of Zhensi Ancestral Hall is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.

The ancient stage of Zhensi Ancestral Hall is located within the Zhensi Ancestral Hall, approximately 300 meters east of Songtian Xinwu in Hougongdu Town. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it has undergone multiple renovations from the Ming and Qing dynasties through the Republican period. Currently, the hall preserves one stone incense burner dating to the 34th year of the Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty (1555), as well as six stone stelae from the Qing Dynasty.

The ancestral hall features three bays in width and three in depth, with walls made of rammed earth and blue bricks. It has a flush-gable roof, post-and-lintel beam framing, and an elevated wooden stage structure. The stage measures 8.4 meters in width and 6.5 meters in depth. Wooden panels divide it into a screen-like front and rear stage, with a small door in the middle for passage. The sides of the stage and the corridors are equipped with railings. The ceiling of the stage is painted with cloud and dragon motifs.

The stage stands opposite the main hall, with an open courtyard paved with cobblestones between them. On both sides of the stage and main hall, wing rooms feature a semicircular brick arch door and a round window that correspond to each other. They are connected via corridor wings, forming a cohesive, courtyard-style architectural complex.

This stage is currently the most completely preserved ancient stage discovered within the county. Its architectural structure exhibits typical Jiang-Zhe regional design elements and serves as significant physical evidence for the study of the southward movement of northern temple fairs and the cultural integration between northern and southern China. It holds great historical and artistic research value.

On May 20, 2003, the People’s Government of Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County designated it as a cultural relic protection unit. In 2008, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province listed it as part of the fifth batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units