The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall in Maoping Village, Tonglu, Zhejiang

Also known as Zhende Hall, the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall is where the Hu clan worships its ancestors. Built in 1772 (the 37th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty) and renovated in 1862, it faces west with its back to the mountain and water. To the north are the Wenchang Pavilion and a gazebo, and to the south, an ancient path paved with pebbles and bluestone slabs leads to the Luci Stream. The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, covering over 1,800 square meters, features typical Hui-style architecture. It has three progressive courtyards, forming a neat rectangle. White walls, black tiles, brick, wood, and stone carvings, high ridges, flying eaves, winding corridors, and successive stone gates characterize the structure. Inside, a stage is set for performances. The hall enshrines the ancestors of the Hu clan and embodies their family precepts. Serving as Maoping Village's cultural and moral center, it has become the villagers' "spiritual home." It now houses the Hangzhou Fuchun River Folk Culture Museum and is a key cultural relic of Tonglu County.