Ancestral Hall of Chen Family in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall石屏县陈鹤亭故居/石屏县陈氏宗祠 is located in 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). Established in the fourteenth year of the Republic of China (民国十四年, 1925), it covers an area of 2,577 square meters. The ancestral hall faces south and consists of a gate, stone bridge, middle hall, main hall, paifang (牌坊), and side halls, forming a two-courtyard structure. The entire hall features intricately carved beams and screens, painted and gilded decorations, grand scale, rigorous structure, exquisite craftsmanship, and a magnificent classical Chinese architectural style.
On May 25, 2006, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall was announced by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China as a key cultural relic protection unit in the sixth batch.
- Chinese Name: 陈氏宗祠
- Location: 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)
- Historical Era: Republic of China (民国)
- Area: 2,577 m²
- Protection Level: Key cultural relic protection unit, sixth batch (第六批全国重点文物保护单位)
- Approved By: State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院)
- Code: 6-1059-5-186
Historical Development
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall was built in the fourteenth year of the Republic of China (1925) with funding from Mr. Chen Jun (陈钧, also known as Chen Heting, 陈鹤亭). After October 1949, for a long period, the hall was poorly managed as it was only inhabited by a mute person. During the Cultural Revolution, the hall suffered significant damage due to the “Four Olds” campaign, including arson that destroyed many precious artifacts.
The hall has undergone various restoration efforts since then to preserve its architectural and cultural significance.
Architectural Features
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a south-facing structure made of earth and wood, featuring a three-courtyard layout with blue tiles. The gate is tall and majestic, built in the style of a paifang with brick and stone, comprising three openings with arches made of bricks and stones. In front of the main entrance, a small bridge leads across a pond, adorned with intricately carved animal figures such as elephants and lions. This design beautifully combines classical Chinese colonnade architecture with local stilt houses, showcasing the wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of the builders. The decorations reflect the themes of Confucianism and the local cultural heritage.
Main Structures
- Gate (祠门): The gate faces the street, standing 6 meters high, designed as a paifang structure. It features a pair of stone lions flanking the entrance. Four square stone plaques bear the inscription “Chen Clan Ancestral Hall” (陈氏宗祠), written by Zhu Jiabao (朱家宝), a Jinshi (进士) from Guangxu. The couplet inscribed by Chen Heting reads: “阀阅焕牂牁，争夸妫水长流，弓冶箕裘绵百世； 祠堂邻宝秀，更喜瑞湖在望，波光山色满一门。” This couplet reflects the family’s past glory and their hopes for the future.
- Lotus Pond (莲池): Upon entering, there is a lotus pond, oval in shape and approximately 2 meters deep. It serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing the courtyard’s beauty while providing fire protection.
- Stone Bridge (石桥): A three-arch stone bridge spans the pond, dividing it into two sections, adorned with stone drums and protective railings made of dark blue stone.
- Middle Hall (中殿): Built on a stone platform, the middle hall features 30 large columns supporting a single eave gable roof. It harmonizes colonnade architecture with stilt house characteristics, exhibiting elegance and a sense of spirituality.
- Main Hall (正殿): The main hall stands on a 1.2-meter high stone platform, showcasing a wooden structure with a double-eave gable roof. It consists of three main sections, a corridor, and two levels. The intricate carvings include motifs of longevity and bamboo, reflecting traditional Chinese decorative styles.
Additional Structures
- Paifang (牌楼): Located on either side of the pond, these are wooden structures with a heavy eave design, adding to the hall’s grandeur.
- Decorative Elements: The hall is adorned with various carvings and decorative elements, such as:
- Bats (蝙蝠): Symbolizing good fortune, prominently featured in the designs.
- Dragons and Phoenixes: Representing power and prosperity, often seen in traditional Chinese architecture.
Cultural Heritage Protection
In November 1993, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall was recognized as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government. It was later designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council on May 25, 2006.
Travel Information
- Location: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is located about 40 meters southeast of Zhengying Primary School in Zhengying section of Shiping County.
How to Get There
To drive to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, start from the Shiping County government, which is approximately 12.9 kilometers away, taking about 25 minutes. Local transport options may also be available, including buses or taxis.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather.
- Respect Local Customs: Be respectful during your visit, especially if there are ongoing ceremonies.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the architecture and surroundings, but seek permission before photographing individuals.
- Local Cuisine: Try local delicacies in nearby towns to enrich your travel experience.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during warm months, to stay refreshed.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and culture of the Chen family and the ancestral hall.
