This 600-year-old hometown of overseas Chinese hides the spiritual ancestral halls of the Chinese people

Heshun Ancient Town boasts more ancient architecture worth seeing than just the nationally protected "Former Site of Heshun Library." As a core component of this nationally recognized historical and cultural town, many of Heshun's ancient buildings are grouped under the provincial-level protection category "Heshun Traditional Residential Architecture Complex." This includes Wanlouzi and the ancestral halls of eight major clans: Cun, Liu, Li, Yin, Jia, Zhang, Chuan, and Yang. These structures span from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China era, with the earliest dating back to the 10th year of Jiaqing reign (1806) and the latest to 1935.

·
Heshun was a crucial post on the ancient Southern Silk Road, and its ancestral halls document the history of military settlement migrations during the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the development of overseas Chinese merchants. These buildings blend Central Plains Han culture, southwestern ethnic minority styles, and Nanyang/Western architectural elements, showcasing Heshun's unique cultural fusion as a "hometown of overseas Chinese." This was my favorite aspect of Heshun, though only half of the ancestral halls were open during my visit.

·
✅ Cun Clan Ancestral Hall
Built in 1806, it's the oldest among Heshun's eight major ancestral halls, famous for its Sino-Western fusion Romanesque archway. The twin stone flagpoles in front symbolize the family's scholarly achievements in imperial examinations.

·
✅ Yin Clan Ancestral Hall
Heshun's second ancestral hall (built in 1830), it once served as a private school where scholars like Zhang Li lectured. The highlights include the 1832 "Yin Clan Ancestral Hall" plaque, the Yin family genealogy stone tablet, and its traditional courtyard layout.

·
✅ Wanlouzi Residential Museum
Included in Heshun's general ticket, this was the private residence of the Li family's "Yongmaohe" trading firm during the late Qing. Named for its curved construction along the alleyway, it's photogenic externally. Inside, focus on the East-meets-West decor (imported furniture) and the trading firm's historical exhibition.

·
✅ Liu Clan Ancestral Hall
Originally built in 1855 and reconstructed in 1880, it's renowned for its volcanic stone flooring and lotus pond stone bridge. The hall features fascinating plaques including a "Eternal Blessing for Descendants" stele from Qianlong era and Li Zhi's "Profound Imperial Dragon" plaque, plus historical records of the family's tax exemptions.

·
✅ Li Clan Ancestral Hall
Initiated in 1920 by Li Yuegao (a general in the National Protection War), this three-courtyard complex follows the mountain terrain and features rich plaque culture. With personal family connections, I consider this the most worthwhile among Heshun's open ancestral halls.