Ancestral Hall of Deng Family in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
The Ancestral Hall of the Zheng Family (郑氏宗祠) is located in the southeastern part of Zhengying Village (郑营村), Baoxiu Town (宝秀镇), Shiping County (石屏县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It was built in the 13th year of the Guangxu era (光绪) during the Qing Dynasty (清朝) in 1887.
- Chinese Name: 郑氏宗祠
- Location: Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
- Construction Year: 1887
- Area: 1452.61 m²
- Protection Level: Seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units
Architectural Features
The Zheng Family Ancestral Hall has a main axis oriented north-south, covering a total area of 1452.61 square meters with a total construction area of 1481 square meters. The structure is built with wood and stone, featuring single-eaved hard mountain roofs, a combination of beam-column and purlin structures. The layout includes three courtyards consisting of the front hall, middle hall, main hall, ear rooms, and side rooms, containing a total of 40 rooms, all designed with hard mountain roofs and wooden beam structures.
The meticulous selection of the site, orientation, planning, and architectural design reflects the grandeur of Ming and Qing architectural techniques and artistry. The hall’s structure is rigorous, holding significant value for the study of the development of historical culture.
Historical Timeline
- 1887: The Zheng Family rebuilt their ancestral hall.
- 1888: The hall was completed and has a history of over 100 years.
- 2013: A detailed survey of the 13 individual structures of the Zheng Family Ancestral Hall was conducted.
- 2014: The repair project of the Zheng Family Ancestral Hall was submitted for budget review by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
Main Structures
Main Gate
The main gate of the Zheng Family Ancestral Hall is built on a platform that rises 77 centimeters, exemplifying typical Qing Dynasty palace architecture. The gate consists of two solid and sturdy doors made of cedar wood, with a pair of stone door pillows positioned in front.
Middle Hall
The middle hall is 12 meters wide, 10.6 meters deep, and 7 meters high. It features a semi-circular stairway with four steps in front. The ridge of the hall is inscribed with the characters “大清光绪十三年郑氏合族人等重建” (Rebuilt by the Zheng Clan in the 13th year of Guangxu, Qing Dynasty), showcasing elegant calligraphy. The interior contains three six-paneled cedar wood screen doors, ornately carved with patterns of rolling grass, plum blossoms, ancient objects, and lotus herons, reflecting the refined taste and decorative value of the Qing Dynasty.
Main Hall
The main hall is preceded by a platform-style courtyard, featuring ten carved floral brackets on the eaves. The decorative carvings include images of dragons, pomegranates, and toads, depicting intricate designs that showcase the artistic craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Cultural Significance
The main gate features nine circular patterns carved on the eaves, including themes such as:
- White Elephant Rolling Lotus Leaf (白象卷荷叶): Symbolizes strength and harmony.
- Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate (鲤鱼跃龙门): Represents success in examinations and honor for the family.
- Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon (犀牛望月): Symbolizes aspiration and pursuit of dreams.
- Monkey Picking Peaches (猴子摘桃): Reflects strong family ties and communal living.
- Kirin Bringing Good Fortune (麒麟呈祥): A mythical creature symbolizing power and divine assistance.
These motifs emphasize the careful craftsmanship of ancient artisans, showcasing their dedication to detail and artistic excellence.
Cultural Heritage Protection
On March 5, 2013, the Zheng Family Ancestral Hall was announced by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.
Travel Information
Geographic Location
The Zheng Family Ancestral Hall is situated in the western section of Zhengying Village, Baoxiu Town, Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, close to the Chen Family Ancestral Hall (陈氏宗祠).
How to Get There
The Zheng Family Ancestral Hall is approximately 12 kilometers from the Shiping County People’s Government, which can be reached by car in about 25 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting during the spring (March-April) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and rainfall is less frequent.
- Cultural Respect: When visiting ancestral halls, be respectful of the customs and traditions associated with these historical sites.
- Photography: Be sure to ask permission if you wish to take photographs of any ceremonies or inside the halls.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste local delicacies in Shiping County, which may enhance your travel experience.
