In 1850, amidst the bustling streets of old Guangzhou, a grand ancestral hall arose. This was the Baiting Xu Grand Ancestral Hall, a testament to the prosperity of the Xu family. The hall stands within a historic area known as Xu Di, located on Gaodi Street. Xu Di was the heart of the Xu family’s influence, a prominent clan in 19th and 20th-century Guangzhou. The Baiting Xu Grand Ancestral Hall has witnessed generations of Xu family members gather to honor their ancestors.
Originally a three-story structure, the Baiting Xu Grand Ancestral Hall now stands as a two-story building. Its third story, lost to time and redevelopment, is currently under discussion for reconstruction. This impressive hall, measuring fifteen meters wide and twenty-five meters long, was commissioned by an imperial decree, signifying its importance. The entrance boasts a stone inscription proudly proclaiming “Baiting Xu Grand Ancestral Hall.” This calligraphy was penned by Xu Xian Guang, son of the esteemed Xu Baiting. Inside, a courtyard with a skywell leads to the main hall, where ancestral tablets once resided.
Xu Baiting, the patriarch whose name graces the hall, began his career humbly as a child laborer in a salt shop at the young age of thirteen. His sharp mind and diligent nature quickly set him apart. A pivotal moment in his life came during a sea voyage to purchase salt. A sudden storm threatened the ships of three salt merchants, but Xu Baiting’s skillful navigation saved his vessel. This act of bravery not only secured his own ship but also ensured his employer’s dominance in the salt trade. Xu Baiting’s reputation soared, and he became a sought-after figure in the Guangzhou salt industry. He remained loyal to his original employer, who rewarded him with a share in the business. Xu Baiting’s dedication and acumen propelled him to become one of Guangzhou’s leading salt merchants. His success laid the foundation for the Xu family’s prominence and the establishment of Xu Di, their historical enclave on Gaodi Street.
The Baiting Xu Grand Ancestral Hall served various purposes throughout its history. In the early 1950s, it became a temporary childcare facility. Later, in 1958, it was repurposed as a primary school by the Yuexiu District Education Bureau. More recently, it served as a center for retired teachers before falling into disuse in 2017. Today, the hall is undergoing restoration. Visitors can still see remnants of its past, including two stone tablets near the skywell. These tablets, inscribed by a Guangdong provincial governor and Xu family ancestors, offer a glimpse into the hall’s rich history. One tablet, however, bears the marks of time and its inscription is now obscured. The Baiting Xu Grand Ancestral Hall stands as a powerful symbol of the Xu family’s legacy and the enduring spirit of ancestral veneration in Guangzhou.