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Su Zhou Lian Ancestral Hall

2025-06-10
886-5-2719346
嘉義市東區垂楊路326號
The Su Clan Ancestral Hall, over 100 years old, is the earliest existing ancestral hall in Chiayi City. For over a century, it has served as a venue for the Su clan in the Greater Chiayi area to honor their ancestors and gather as fellow clansmen. It holds significant research value in terms of clan development history. The hall has continuously maintained its sacrificial activities, inspiring fellow clansmen to trace their roots and seek their origins, and carries profound cultural connotations. There's a folk saying that "the Su clan in Chiayi accounts for half of the city's population." Su Xiaode and Su Yuqi, members of the Su clan, have served as district magistrates of Chiayi and established the renowned Mei Ji Trading Co. They have close ties with the political, economic, and cultural development of Chiayi City. In order to promote filial piety and respect for ancestors, this ancestral hall was established at the beginning of the Japanese colonial period. It evolved from the Su family temple into a shared ancestral hall for the Su, Zhou, and Lian clans. The hall enshrines the deities of Su, Zhou, and Lian, as well as 31 ancestor tablets of the Su clan who achieved scholarly success and were conferred titles. A special tablet is also dedicated to Mr. Yang, the savior of the Su clan. This building is an example of a traditional vernacular house converted into an ancestral hall, showcasing a typical Southern Fujian style. The structure remains well-preserved, with a five-bay, single-entry, three-sided courtyard layout. The central hall features traditional craftsmanship without using a single nail or iron. The door frames are adorned with exquisite wood carvings and colorful paintings. The windows are designed with unique opening mechanisms. The building features a corridor with a raised platform, a complex bracket system, and a suspended ceiling with interlocking bow-shaped beams. Two additional Dou-kou components are added between the main beams and the purlins in each bay, which is relatively rare. The hall's intricate and delicate craftsmanship holds significant artistic value. ‧ 1896: The Su clan's ancestors raised funds to purchase a dilapidated house, which was renovated to serve as the Su family temple. ‧ 1958 (Year 47 of the Republic of China): The hall was renamed the Su, Zhou, and Lian Ancestral Hall.
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