Shiping Guzhouwu Ancient Government Office in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
Shiping Guzhouwu (石屏古州衙, Shípíng Gǔzhōuyá) is located in the center of Shiping County (石屏县, Shípíng Xiàn), Honghe Prefecture (红河州, Hónghé Zhōu). It was originally built in the sixteenth year of the Hongwu period (洪武, Hóngwǔ) of the Ming Dynasty (明朝, Míngcháo), specifically in 1383. The structure faces south, with the Wenmiao (文庙, Wénmiào) located to its left and Mai Mi Xiang (卖米巷, Mài Mǐ Xiàng) directly opposite, reflecting the authorities’ emphasis on education and the importance of food for the people.
Historical Significance
The Guzhouwu served as the local government office for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (清朝, Qīngcháo) and continued to function as the county government during the Republic of China (民国, Mínguó). In 1939, a local businessman, Zhang Zhengtang (张正堂, Zhāng Zhèngtáng), donated funds to renovate the dilapidated buildings. This renovation included the construction of a main hall (大堂, Dàtáng), secondary hall (二堂, Èrtáng), east and west wings (厢房, Xiāngfáng), main entrance (大门, Dàmén), and a jail (监狱, Jiānyù), all built in a traditional wooden structure. The main hall is particularly grand and solemn, while the secondary hall offers a tranquil ambiance, complemented by a back courtyard filled with blooming flowers.
Surrounding Features
To the left of the Guzhouwu is the former residence of Li Hengsheng (李恒升, Lǐ Héngshēng), and to the right are the Wenmiao and Yuping Academy (玉屏书院, Yùpíng Shūyuàn). After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Guzhouwu continued to serve as the county government headquarters until 2006. To better preserve the Guzhouwu and the surrounding ancient architectural complex, the government relocated its offices to the new district on Hubin Road (湖滨路, Húbīn Lù) in 2005, initiating comprehensive renovations to the ancient structures. Today, Shiping Guzhouwu functions as a historical and cultural exhibition center (展览中心, Zhǎnlǎn Zhōngxīn) open to the public.
Preservation and Heritage
Shiping Guzhouwu is situated in the ancient town center and was established during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuáncháo). After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it remained the government headquarters until 2006. According to experts, Shiping Guzhouwu is the most well-preserved ancient government office from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng).
How to Get There
To reach Shiping Guzhouwu, you can take a bus or drive from nearby cities. Shiping County is well connected by road, and local transportation is available. Once in Shiping, the Guzhouwu is centrally located, making it easily accessible on foot.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the spring and autumn seasons for pleasant weather.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in nearby eateries, especially the regional rice dishes.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful while exploring the site, as it is an important historical and cultural landmark.
- Photography: The architecture and surrounding landscapes make for excellent photo opportunities, so bring your camera.
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