The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall in Bao'an

The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall in Bao'an

The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall in Bao'an is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Guangdong Province.

The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall is located in Xin Qiao Community, Xin Qiao Subdistrict, Shenzhen. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, it has undergone multiple renovations over the years. Its current scale was established during the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, forming a complex of five bays, four courtyards, and three skywells. It spans a total width of 21 meters and a depth of 50 meters, covering a construction area of 1,050 square meters. The complex includes the main gate, stone memorial archway, central hall, rear hall, pavilions, and corridors. It serves as the ancestral temple for all Zeng families in areas such as Xin Qiao, Xin Er, Shang Xing, Shang Liao, and Huang Pu. The plaque above the main gate is inscribed with “Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall,” and the couplet reads: “The world’s culture traces back to one lineage; among ancient and modern trees, we are the third noble house.” Inside, there are plaques inscribed with “Poetry and Rites Passed Down Through Generations” and “Safeguarding the Region,” the latter written by Ye Mingchen. The central hall features a plaque reading “Great Learning Hall.” Between the front hall and the central hall stands a three-bay, three-story stone memorial archway, meticulously carved from granite. The front side is inscribed with “Scholarly Family Tradition,” while the north side reads “A Single Stone Shines Bright.” The front inscription honors the achievements of Zengzi, the distant ancestor of the clan, regarding his teachings on governance, national stability, and bringing peace to the world, regarded as a treasured family legacy. The rear inscription tells the story of brothers Zeng Shixing and Zeng Shigui, founding ancestors of Xiaolong in Panyu and Xin Qiao respectively, who fled from Zhuji Lane in Nanxiong to Guangzhou to escape turmoil during the imperial concubine search incident. Legend says the brothers parted ways after splitting a stone as a token. The Qing Dynasty murals and calligraphy within the hall, nearly 200 years old, remain vivid and full of charm. The Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall is one of the largest well-preserved ancestral hall complexes in Shenzhen.

In 1984, it was designated as a cultural heritage site by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. On July 17, 2002, it was included in the fourth batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Sites.

Xin Qiao Community: Xin Qiao Community…… More details about Xin Qiao Community++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Sites