Shanxi Guild Hall in Dolon

Shanxi Guild Hall in Dolon

The Shanxi Guild Hall in Dolon is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Shanxi Guild Hall is situated in the southwest of Dolon’s urban area. It was jointly funded and built in the 10th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1745) by Shanxi merchants who traveled and traded in Mongolia. The purpose of establishing the guild hall was to facilitate communication and interaction among fellow Shanxi natives, as well as to provide temporary lodging for those newly arrived in the area. The Shanxi Guild Hall is one of the better-preserved groups of Qing Dynasty ancient buildings in Dolon’s old town, boasting a history of over 250 years. The hall faces south and is roughly divided into a lodging area, an entertainment area, a commercial meeting area, and the Guan Yu Temple.

In front of the guild hall’s main gate stands a grand memorial archway, intricately carved and painted, reflecting the wealth of the Shanxi merchants. The grand theater stage is a “star” structure of the guild hall. This stage is entirely built from square stone slabs, forming a distinct “convex” shape. Thick, upright pillars support the front section of the stage, while the roof features upturned eaves resembling bird beaks that pierce the sky. On its southeastern corner, a bright mirror hangs facing northwest, capable of reflecting the Shanyin Temple several miles away. According to archaeologists, only two buildings in China use this architectural structure. The entertainment area of the guild hall primarily centers around this grand theater stage. Performances typically begin on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month and continue until the weather cools in autumn. During the Dolon Temple Fair around the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, performances at the guild hall often reach their peak. Around the 15th day of the first lunar month, performances are also held for several days, featuring the Shanxi Bangzi opera.

To the west of the guild hall stands a white marble statue of General Ji Hongchang, a renowned anti-Japanese hero. In late June 1933, General Ji Hongchang led the main forces of the Anti-Japanese Allied Army and, after five days and nights of fierce fighting, finally captured Dolon City. This was the first county town taken by Chinese forces relying solely on their own strength during the Chinese War of Resistance against Japan, greatly boosting the confidence of the Chinese people in resisting Japanese aggression.