Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall

　　Located beside Gaofeng Primary School in Gaofeng Village, Huai Town, this ancestral hall — “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall” — is like a radiant pearl set in the county town of Huaicheng. The entire structure exhibits exquisite architectural artistry and is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Huaicheng County, featuring distinct Lingnan characteristics.

　　Originally, Huaicheng had many ancient buildings, but due to the influence of the "Destroy the Four Olds" campaign, a large number of ancient temples and ancestral halls were destroyed in a short period, especially in the county town, where almost none remained. Only the Huaicheng Wenchang Pavilion and Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall survived intact, witnessing history. In the early days of the Cultural Revolution, the “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall” was used as a grain storage facility for the production brigade to ensure the delivery of public grain and collective grain reserves. As a result, the “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall” was preserved.

　　The “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall” was built in the 17th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1819 AD) and completed the following year. It was constructed by descendants in honor of their virtuous ancestor, Liang Gong, who was known for his generosity and charitable deeds, hoping that later generations would follow his example. It has now stood for 185 years. Legend has it that Liang Xuan Gong was a man of righteousness and generosity, helping those in need and performing countless good deeds. He contributed significantly to building bridges and roads locally, earning deep respect from the local people, who honored him as “Jiwoliang Gong,” which later evolved into his title. Jiwoliang Gong lived to the remarkable age of 108 due to his virtuous life. Upon learning of his moral excellence and longevity, the imperial court bestowed upon him the honorific plaque “Crane Age Recognition” in bold regular script to commend his virtue.

　　The “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall” is a traditional three-courtyard, four-corridor brick-and-tile structure with a construction area of 535 square meters. Inside the hall are about 10 granite pillars, each approximately 8 meters tall and reaching the ceiling, supported by basket-style plinths that uphold the main beams. In the second courtyard, eight carved wooden lattice screen doors, each 4.5 meters high, stand in the center. The inner walls of each courtyard are adorned along the tops with exquisitely painted murals and poetry, while the central upper wall above the main gate features the painting “Jiang Ziya Meeting King Wen at the Wei River at Eighty,” symbolizing deep meaning. The roof ridge of the first courtyard is made up of ceramic components from Foshan, featuring large, lifelike floral and bird designs, with auspicious brick and lime carvings on both sides that are delightful and whimsical. The roof ridge of the second courtyard showcases double qilin and floral-bird ceramic components in bright, striking colors, luxurious and noble — a rare masterpiece of polychrome pottery sculpture. Additionally, the wooden lattice screens over the front and rear roof ridges of each courtyard are intricately carved with auspicious floral and bird patterns, exceptionally exquisite. The entire building is well-sited, meticulously constructed, and beautifully decorated, making it a fine example for studying Qing Dynasty Lingnan architectural art.

　　In addition, to the left of the “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall” stands a school building that blends Chinese and Western architectural styles. Constructed in the early years of the Republic of China, it incorporates the essence of both Chinese and Western cultures and complements the “Jiwoliang Ancestral Hall,” together forming a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight.