The Danjiao Hall and the Zuo Gong Ancestral Hall

　　The “Danjiao Hall” was the former residence of Zuo Guangdou, located on North Street in Tongcheng City. Zuo Guangdou (1575–1625), courtesy name Yizhi, art name Fugiu, was a native of Tongcheng and a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era. He served as the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, implemented benevolent governance, and earned a distinguished reputation. He was also the mentor of Shi Kefa, a national hero. While inspecting the capital, he investigated the Ministry of Personnel for selling official ranks and uncovered seventy fake seals and more than a hundred fraudulent officials. He did not curry favor with the powerful and was fiercely opposed to evil, hence naming his residence “Danjiao” (which means “to eat chili,” symbolizing his fiery integrity). His residence consists of three sections: the front section is the gate tower; the middle section covers an area of 110.21 square meters, with the central room serving as the main hall, i.e., the “Danjiao Hall,” which is 10.3 meters long and 4.1 meters wide, covering an area of 42.22 square meters. The two side rooms are the left and right “upper chambers,” each 10.3 meters long and 3.3 meters wide, covering an area of 33.99 square meters. The rear section has four residential rooms, totaling 122.76 square meters, each 9.1 meters long and 3.4 meters wide, covering an area of 30.94 square meters.

　　To the west of the “Danjiao Hall” stands the “Zuo Zhongyi Gong Ancestral Hall,” commonly known as the “Zuo Gong Ancestral Hall.” Zuo Guangdou was upright and outspoken, and fell victim to the schemes of Wang Dang, ending up imprisoned. In the early years of the Chongzhen Emperor’s reign, Wang Dang was punished, Zuo was honored, and posthumously given the title “Zhongyi” (Loyal and Righteous). The local people built the ancestral hall to enshrine him. The ancestral hall also has three sections: the front gate tower, and the middle and rear sections are wooden structures with blue brick walls and small tiled roofs. The central hall features a seven-rafter beam structure plus front and rear auxiliary frames, forming a three-bay depth. The architectural style is rather refined, with decorative “elephant-eye” motifs on the main pillars. The main hall covers an area of 114.33 square meters, divided into three bays: the central bay is 10.3 meters long and 4.4 meters wide, covering 45.32 square meters. The two side bays are each 10.3 meters long and 3.35 meters wide, covering 34.6 square meters. The rear hall covers 102.28 square meters, with the central bay 9.1 meters long and 3.3 meters wide, covering 30.03 square meters.

　　The former residence “Danjiao Hall” was initially built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, while the ancestral hall was built during the Chongzhen era, separated by a brick wall. As they were constructed in two separate phases, their architectural structures differ.

　　

　　Zuo Guangdou (1575~1625)　　Zuo Guangdou (1575–1625), also known as Gongzhi or Yizhi, art name Fugiu, was a native of Zhongyi Village, Hengbu Township (now Hengbu District). He became a successful candidate in the imperial examinations in the 35th year of the Wanli era (1607). His father, Zuo Chuying, known to locals as “Old Man Zuo,” had nine sons, with Zuo Guangdou being the fifth. Born into poverty, Zuo Guangdou was hardworking from a young age and harbored great ambitions. In the 47th year of the Wanli era, while serving as the Left Censor-in-Chief, Zuo Guangdou inspected the capital and was outraged by the criminal activities of arrogant gentry and corrupt officials. He confiscated over 70 fake seals and arrested more than 100 fraudulent officers, restoring discipline and causing the corrupt officials to retreat in fear. In the first year of the Tianqi era under Emperor Xizong (1621), Zuo Guangdou took charge of... Details+