Houcun Ancestral Hall

　　   Houcun Ancestral Hall was constructed during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The hall consists of three courtyards, features a brick-and-wood structure, and spans an area of 1,200 square meters. It is the most intact and largest in floor area among the ancient buildings still existing in Langxi County. The ancestral hall employs a post-and-lintel construction style and exhibits the architectural characteristics of the Hui style. In addition to intricately carved beams and painted rafters, as well as exquisite brick and stone carvings, the rear courtyard’s southern wall preserves four well-maintained colorful flower-and-bird murals (each measuring 70 cm in height and 210 cm in width). Planted in the courtyard are two peony plants, approximately 1.5 meters tall, with sturdy branches. Each year, they bloom fifty to sixty large, bowl-sized, vividly colored flowers. Legend has it that these peonies have been around for over two hundred years and are considered rare and precious flora within the county.