Ancient Architectural Complex of Zhengyimen

　　- The ancient architectural complex has a history spanning the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Zhengjia was originally called “Cheng’en Li.” Since the early Northern Song Dynasty, the Zheng family had established their residence here; during the Southern Song Dynasty, it was renamed San Zheng and Renyi Li; in the Yuan Dynasty, it was honored twice as “Filial Piety and Righteousness Gate,” hence the name “-men”; and in the Ming Dynasty, it was commended as “The First Family of Jiangnan.” The Zheng family’s communal living under the principles of filial piety and righteousness became world-renowned, lasting through the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, with their deeds recorded in the official histories of all three. The communal living began during the Zhi Dao era of the Southern Song Dynasty and declined in the third year of the Ming Tian Shun era (1459), spanning fifteen generations over more than 330 years. At its peak, the community included over 3,000 members. Afterward, the Zheng family continued a smaller communal living arrangement to pass on their family values until the end of the Qing Dynasty, maintaining this tradition for another thirteen generations.

　　- Today, there are over 50 preserved historical sites from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, including the Zheng Clan Ancestral Hall, Xiao Gan Spring, Nine Generations Living Together, Dongming Academy, Xuanlu Eight Scenic Spots, the Former Residence of Song Lian, Chongyi Bridge, Laofo Society, Shengyu Tower, Changqi Gong Ancestral Hall, Chuiyu Hall, Shangshu Mansion, the ancient Bai Linxi Bridge with its nine sluice gates, Jianwen Well, Zhengde Well, and Yuanlu Mountain House. Precious cultural relics include the Yuan Dynasty Zheng Clan Filial Gate Ancestral Hall Stele, Bai Linxi Stele, and Zheng Dezhang Tomb Tablet; Ming Dynasty artifacts such as the Imperial Edict Stele, the Stele of Hanlin Academician Song Wenxian Gong, as well as texts like “Jing Yi Bian,” “Zheng Clan Family Rules,” and “Zheng Clan Family Rituals.” Within the ancestral hall, there are also nine 600-year-old dragon cypress trees planted by Song Lian himself.

　　- -men is a typical example integrating ancient architecture, Confucian ideology, and traditional folk customs, holding significant value in history, culture, art, ethics, education, and folklore studies. In 2001, the Zhengyimen ancient architectural complex, recognized as a Qing Dynasty structure, was listed by the State Council as part of the fifth group of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

　　- Source: Jinhua Government Website