The gate of Yu King Palace taken by the French in 1902 (Reproduced by the reporter)

Interior of Zhenwu Hakka Guild Halls in Jiangjin, Chongqing (Picture from VCG)

Huguang Guild Hall, Anju Ancient Town, Tongliang (Picture from VCG)

Traditional program performing at the Huguang Guild Hall

Yu King Palace of Huguang Guild Hall

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The 2018 Annual Conference of Guild Hall Professional Committee, Cultur Alrelic Academy China and the 10th (Chongqing) Academic Seminar has ended at Huguang Guild Hall. More than 80 delegates of over 30 organizations involving the guild hall and museum from the country have attended the conference. There are nearly 1,000 guild halls in the record in Chongqing, of which the earliest guild hall was built in Ming Dynasty and it exists earlier than Huguang Guild Hall of Dongshuimen. Now, follow us to go deep into the guild halls in Chongqing.

Huguang Guild Hall ranks the No.1 in China

When it comes to temple fair in Chongqing, the Huguang Guild Hall of Dongshuimen has to be noticed. Towards the Yuzhong District from the Dongshuimen Bridge, you can see large-sized and classic buildings called Huguang Guild Hall.

Chongqing Huguang Guild Hall was built during the reign of emperor Kangxi (Qing Dynasty), then it was improved and expanded during the reign of emperors Qianlong and Guangxu, so you can it with the present look. The related person in charge of Huguang Guild Hall said that the existing buildings of Huguang Guild Hall were rebuild in 1846.

It is said that it has various functions in ancient times - to enshrine the sage, enhance interpersonal relationship, worship God, discuss things together and negotiate with the government, which has a certain effect on social stability. Covered the area of 30,000 square meters, Chongqing Huguang Guild Hall is the largest guild hall in China. With the exquisite architectural techniques, its status and value are placed the high.

Migrant fellow guild hall occupied the majority in Chongqing

The guild hall in China was set in the early Ming Dynasty, flourished in the Qing Dynasty, and declined in the Republic of China. The guild hall is mainly divided into 3 categories: fellow guild hall, merchant guild hall and imperial examination guild hall (guild hall is for fellow and public hall for insiders i.e. industry guild hall). Migrant fellow guild hall occupied the majority in Chongqing due to the geological factor. And the establishment of guild hall is highly relevant to the transportation, commerce and migration in ancient times.

Guild hall most centralizes in the lower urban area of Yuzhong

According to the related person in charge of Huguang Guild Hall, Chongqing has about 1,000 guild halls in nearly every corner of all districts, counties and townships. As per the native place, the guild hall is usually erected in countries, market towns and the vital communications hub of land and water. 

Introduction of Guild Halls in Chongqing writes down that the earliest guild halls preserved were set in Ming Dynasty. The Wanshou Palace is one of them, at the Zhongba Village, Mudong Town, Banan District. It belongs to the hall for Jiangxi people.

Largest guild halls and public halls in Chongqing most gathered in the lower urban area of Yuzhong in ancient times, where the Huguang Guild Hall is. The district is along the original Chaotianmen, Cuiweimen, Dongshuimen, Chuqimen and Jinzimen. (Translated by Jiang Yuling, Fathom Language Limited)