The Longchuan Hu Family Ancestral Hall (龙川胡氏宗祠), established during the Ming Dynasty, is a significant cultural landmark in Longchuan, China. In 1547, after defeating Japanese pirates, the notable Hu Zongxian, a Minister of War, returned to his hometown and rebuilt the ancestral hall. The hall underwent significant renovations in 1898 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty.
The current main structure of the Longchuan Hu Family Ancestral Hall exhibits characteristics from the Ming Dynasty, while its interior decorations reflect the style of the Qing Dynasty. The hall is built on a raised platform, standing one meter high, and encompasses three main courtyards. The entire complex includes a wall for worship, a gate tower, corridors, the main hall, side rooms, a sleeping area, and special ritual spaces, covering an area of approximately 1,700 square meters.
Constructed from brick and wood, the ancestral hall features various elements made from granite, including steps, railings, flooring, a flagpole base, stone drums, and stone lions. The main entrance boasts a grand eight-sided gate tower that stands 10.5 meters high and spans 22 meters wide. This ornate gate tower is decorated with intricate wooden carvings depicting dragons playing with pearls, lions rolling balls, and scenes from historical dramas.
Upon entering the hall, visitors are greeted by the main hall, which combines both the bracketed and beam structures typical of traditional Chinese architecture. Inside, four ginkgo pillars, each measuring 6.5 meters in height and 1.66 meters in circumference, stand as impressive features. The bases of the pillars, beams, and other structural elements are adorned with exquisite carvings. The sides and upper portions of the main hall are fitted with 32 large, four-meter-high flower-carved folding screens, adding to the hall’s beauty.
The rear section of the ancestral hall features a two-story building with a similar architectural style, integrating both bracketed and beam construction. The side rooms and the first floor showcase an additional 32 flower-carved folding screens, standing 3 meters high and 60.4 centimeters wide, with intricate carvings of ancient patterns and seasonal flowers.
The roof of the building is characterized by decorative eaves and is surrounded by distinctive horse-head walls. The Longchuan Hu Family Ancestral Hall is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, featuring over 600 wooden sculptures, and is often referred to as a “museum of wood carving art” and a “palace of ethnic art.”
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1- 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 75 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0563-8315763 0086-0563-8315555 |
Location and Transportation
The Longchuan Family Hu’s Ancestral Hall is located in Longchuan Village, Yingzhou Town, Jixi County, Anhui Province. It is approximately 12 kilometers from the center of Jixi County. To reach the ancestral hall, you can take bus route 6 from the Jixi High-Speed Railway Station, which will take you directly to the scenic area.
