Beyond the bustling streets lies a sanctuary. This is the ancestral hall of the Hu family. It is known as the \u80e1\u6c0f\u5b97\u7960. It stands as a testament to family history. The \u80e1\u6c0f\u5b97\u7960 is more than just a building. It is a symbol of heritage.
The \u80e1\u6c0f\u5b97\u7960 serves as the ancestral hall for the Hu surname. The Hu family’s origins trace back to Chong’an in Fujian province. From there ancestors journeyed to Baochang county in Nanxiong. During the Southern Song Dynasty, they moved from Nanxiong’s Pearl River Lane. Their destination was to Guangzhou’s Hede Street before finally settling in Huangpu village.
This hall once stood among many. Seven ancestral halls of the Hu family dotted this village. Today only three remain. Among them is the \u80e1\u6c0f\u5b97\u7960, also known as the Jingmiao Hall.
Inscribed on the door couplets are words of ancestral pride. They read “The lineage originates from Chong’an with distant and long streams nourishing generations. The foundation opens in Huangpu with roots firmly planted for the great ancestral temple”. These words echo the family’s deep connection to their origins.
The Hu clan was a prominent family. Their ancestral records document the names of distinguished descendants. These individuals brought honor and fame. Their reputations spread far and wide.
One notable figure is Hu Xuanze. He lived during the mid to late 19th century. He was a prominent leader in Singapore. He also served as China’s first foreign consul. Remarkably he was the first diplomat to hold three consulships. He was recognized by Australia with a knighthood. England awarded him the CMG Order of the Star.
Because of his contributions he was called “Huangpu Sir”. Today a plaque commemorates his service. It hangs within the ancestral hall.
The architecture of the \u80e1\u6c0f\u5b97\u7960 is impressive. It has a three-layered deep structure. The hard gable roof is covered with gray-green tiles. Two large wooden pillars stand at the entrance. These pillars measure 159 cm in circumference. Their bases are made of granite. They impart a sense of grandeur.
Inside the hall, brick carvings and stone sculptures adorn the space. Wood carvings and plasterwork add to the beauty. Stone carvings depict scenes. “Two phoenixes facing the sun” is a popular theme. Another carving shows “officials on patrol”. Plasterwork features plum blossoms and magpies.
The wood carvings are particularly striking. One depicts a bird and a beast. The bird is a roc. The beast resembles a “four unlikes”. Some believe it is the fifth son of a dragon. Another carving features lychee, waxberry, papaya, and pomegranate.
A unique design feature is the “four waters returning to their source”. The hall has two skylights. The second skylight has tiled eaves on all sides. Rainwater flows into the skylight from the east, south, west and north. The water then flows into a ditch. This ditch leads to a pond in front of the hall. This design symbolizes “four waters returning to their source”. The water flows eastward. It represents the saying “A river of spring water flows eastward”.
The \u80e1\u6c0f\u5b97\u7960 stands as a symbol. It connects the present to the past. It reminds us of the importance of family. It honors those who came before. Take a moment to appreciate its history.