Travel Notes of the Southern Confucian Merchants' Hall

Stepping into the Southern Confucian Merchants' Hall, the white walls and black tiles evoke an elegant atmosphere. The first sight is the stone stele of the "Portrait of the Former Sage," where Confucius stands respectfully with hands clasped, inscribed with the powerful phrase "Virtue Matches Heaven and Earth." Entering the main hall, the golden plaque "Merchants Who Favor Confucianism" hangs high, flanked by couplets that capture the core of Confucian merchants: "Cultivate morality and master literature, reduce selfish desires to restore heavenly principles." On the Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism display board, Zhu Xi’s phrase "Uphold righteousness and benefit will come naturally" reveals the distinction between righteousness and profit. Passing through wooden lattice windows, the courtyard’s ancient trees sway, the red door with the character for fortune peeks behind the corridor, and one can almost hear the sounds of study from years past. Climbing the building, seeing the overlapping eaves and gently swaying lanterns, one realizes this place is not just a scenic spot but a three-dimensional book of "seeking profit through righteousness." Food Guide The hall is located in the old city of Quzhou. After visiting, you can walk to Mazhandi to taste authentic local snacks: - Must-try: Quzhou baked flatbread (thin crust with ample filling), "Three Heads and One Palm" (rabbit head, duck head, fish head, duck palm, spicy and flavorful), crystal cake (served with mint syrup, refreshing and relieves spiciness) - Recommended old shops: Jiaochi Street Baked Flatbread, Old Pei Duck Head Restaurant Transportation Guide - Address: Xinqiao Street, Keshan District, Quzhou City (next to the Southern Branch of the Kong Family Ancestral Temple) - Bus: Take routes 5 or 10 to "Nankong Lukou" stop, then a 5-minute walk - Driving: Navigate to "Southern Confucian Merchants' Hall," paid parking lots nearby (5 yuan for the first hour) - Tips: Can be combined with visits to the Confucius Temple and Beimen Street Historical and Cultural District for a tour of about 2 hours; no dining inside the hall, recommended to visit during off-peak hours.