Perhaps it is the whispers of ancestors carried on the Guangzhou breeze that you hear. This is \u5f20\u6c0f\u4e5d\u4e16\u7960. It stands as a testament to history.
\u5f20\u6c0f\u4e5d\u4e16\u7960 is located in Foshan. More specifically, it is in the Shunde District of Longjiang Town, Tanxi Neighborhood Committee, Tantian Avenue. This ancestral hall has stood for generations.
Construction began during the Tongzhi era. It continued through the Guangxu years of the Qing Dynasty. Imagine the dedication of those who built this place. They carefully oriented it. \u5f20\u6c0f\u4e5d\u4e16\u7960 faces northeast.
The hall’s layout features three sections. The central section spans three rooms and measures 12 meters wide. It extends 42 meters deep. The structure incorporates a gable wall shaped like the Chinese character “Ren.” This design serves as a firebreak.
Notice the roof. It features a hard gable roof. You can observe human figures. Also see flowers, birds and auspicious beasts adorn the roof ridge. These are gray sculptures. Blue glazed tiles cover the roof. The eaves feature meticulously cut dripstones.
Let us step inside. The entrance hall extends two rooms deep. It measures 7.2 meters. A three-step veranda graces the front. Four stone pier columns and two stone corner columns support the structure.
The central hall extends three rooms. It measures 10.8 meters. A four-pillar canopy marks the front. There is also a three-step veranda at the rear. The back hall mirrors the central hall. It extends three rooms. It measures 10.3 meters. Both front and rear have three-step verandas.
Observe the beams. Bracket sets support these. Also see the pillars and tie beams. Before the ancestral hall stand wing walls. The walls display brick carvings. These depict scenes like “Apricot blossoms and birds singing in unison” and “Pine and cranes prolonging the years.” The carvings are intricate. Their composition is rich.
In 2006 \u5f20\u6c0f\u4e5d\u4e16\u7960 received recognition. It was listed as a Foshan City cultural relic protection unit. This ensures its preservation for future generations.
\u5f20\u6c0f\u4e5d\u4e16\u7960 stands as a testament to the architectural style of late Qing Dynasty Lingnan. It is also a valuable resource. It provides insight into Shunde’s clan culture. It also demonstrates ancestral hall architectural art. The hall’s layout is complete. Its scale is large. The brick, wood and stone carvings are exquisite. This makes it a unique site. It connects us to the past. It enriches our understanding of Guangzhou’s heritage.