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Siping'village'was'built'over'640'years'ago,' in' the'early'Ming'Dynasty' (1368,1644),' and' is'
rain,'twenty,four'ancient'halls'remain'whole,'part'of'a'traditional'residential'building'area'of'
over' 10,000'm 2 .'Renowned' for' its' traditional' atmosphere' and' variety,' Siping'delights' and'
charms'its'visitors.'
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Siping'Gatehouses'
“Like%a%hero,%you%guard%the%door;%like%a%soldier,%you%remain%dignified%despite%storms”'
Jinhua'Home,stay'project' http://www.jinhua,homestay.com/' '2'
Gatehouses'are'also'ornamental'doors,'divided'into'the'“Menlou”'type'belonging'to'the'rich'
and' the' “Menzhao”' type' for' the' poor.' They' have' a' double' column' structure' rising' three'
floors'in'stone'and'are'carved'to'resemble'the'wooden'versions'that'would'have'preceded'
them.'Every'gatehouse'in'Siping'is'decorated'with'exquisite'and'vivid'brick'carvings'of'birds,'
also'elaborately'crafted'with'brick'carvings,'and'two'treasures'in'particular'are'considered'
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Siping'Lanes'
“A%Cock%Crowing%in%the%Lane,%Time%Drifts%Slowly%on%its%Way”'
Snaking'across'the'whole'village,'Siping’s'lanes'give'the'village'its'own'special'architectural'
flavour.'With'their'ancient'stones'and'their'breath'of'the'past,'bright'vistas'crossed'by'dark'
deeper.'As'you'stroll'along'the' lovely' lane'that'connects'Liben'Hall'to'Chongde'Hall'under'
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“Doors%out%of%alignment%with%halls,%in%accord%with%philosophy”'
In'Siping,' there'are'a'number'of'ancient'“Carriage'doors”'with'unique'shapes'and'distinct'
styles.'There'are'also'small' rooms'to'each'side'of' the'door,'an'unusual' feature' in'ancient'
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In'the'traditional'buildings'of'Siping,'the'roof'divides'into'two'“roof'hills”'behind'and'in'front'
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carvings.' Rich' and' varied,' they' often' portray' dragons,' phoenixes' and' other' symbols' of'
happiness.'Non,legendary'plants'and'animals'are'crafted'with'realistic'detail,'while'human'
figures' cavort' in' the' panels' of' the' partition' doors.' The' most' extraordinary' examples' of'
Siping'wood'carving'are'found'in'the'great'beams,'corbels'and'their'supports.'The'corbels'
are'carved'with'deer,'pavilions,'scenic'wonders,'historical'stories'or'traditional'motifs'such'
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architecture'experts'around'the'world.'Grand'brick'carvings' like' ‘Nine' lions'playing'with'a'
ball’'and''‘Carp'leap'over'the'Dragon'Gate’'are'characteristic,'with'their'mature'and'perfect'
carving' in' low' relief,' pierced'work,' and' deep' relief,' and' their' vivid' and' exquisite' artistry.'
Another'great'work' is'the'drama'carving'‘Lianhuanhua’'(“picture'story”).' In'this'tiny'space'
come'alive'in'the'carving.'
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Siping'Water'System'
“Seven% Stars% around% the% Village% for% a% Hundred% Years,% A% Single% River% Flows% through% Every% House”'
The'ancients'viewed'water'as'full'of'kindness,'an' idea'which' is'reflected' in'Laozi’s'famous'
planning'of'Siping'Ancient'Village.'Making'the'most'of'the'village’s'terrain,'which'is'high'in'
southeast'and'low'in'northwest,'it'leads'the'four'streams'that'start'at'the'reservoir'to'flow'
through'the'village'from'southeast'to'northwest.'Such'a'design'is'seldom'seen'in'any'other'
inhabitants’' daily' water' needs,' the' Dai' ancestors' also' created' a' variegated' landscape' of'
water' streets;' streams' zigzag' their' way' through' every' household,' and' the' lake' of' Seven'
Stars'Around'the'Moon.'Running'water'enlivens'the'village'all'year'round.'
Jinhua'Home,stay'project' http://www.jinhua,homestay.com/' '6'
At' the' south' end' of' the' village,' where' the' road' sets' off' to' Jiufeng' Mountain,' a' pond'
functions'as'a'kind'of'“water'gap”.'With'a'stone'circle'around'it,'there'is'a'pavilion'standing'
in'the'pond'and'sturdy'stonework'stretching'across'it.'This'pond'defines'a'village'boundary,'
a' key' entrance' and' exit' point.' It' is' also' a'way' of'warding' off' evil' spirits' and' creating' an'
auspicious'place.' In'the'central'area'of' the'ancient'village' lies'the'crescent,shaped' lake'of'
Seven'Stars'Around'the'Moon.'The'lake'is'surrounded'by'folk'houses'and'the'water'is'often'
as' calm' as' a'mirror.' The'Dai' Ancestral' Hall' on' its' bank' is' the' core' of' the' village’s' spatial'
layout'and'the'central'point'of'its'whole'landscape.'
In'the'earliest'days'of'Siping'Ancient'Village,'the'landscape'of'Seven'Stars'Around'the'Moon'
was'carefully'utilised'to'try'to'create'a'perfect'place'to'live,'one'where'nature'and'humanity'
would'combine'harmoniously.'This'spiritual'pursuit'has'been'transmitted'down'through'the'
generations.'The'village'has'another'important'characteristic:'any'house'with'a'yard'never'
has' its' entrance' door' facing' the' building’s' front' door.' Such' an' arrangement' seems' to'
express'a'cultural'idea'of'creating'a'better'life.'
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said' that,' in' Heaven,' the' Cowherd' and' the'Weaving'Maid'met' at' the' bridge' of'magpies.'
Wanting' to' express' her' faithful' love,' as' precious' and' eternal' as' the'Moon,' the'Weaving'
Maid'decided'to'scoop'the'Moon'out'of'the'sky'for'her'lover'with'the'Big'Dipper.'However,'
the'Heavenly'Queen'interfered.'The'Cowherd'failed'to'quite'grasp'the'handle,'and'the'Big'
Dipper' fell' to' our' world' below' with' the' Moon' still' in' it.' This' is' where' the' ‘Seven' Stars'
Around'the'Moon’'comes'from'in'Siping'Ancient'Village.'
According' to' the'Ancestral%Chart%of% the%Dai%Family,' still' treasured' in' the'village,' in' ' falling' from' the' sky,' the'Big'Dipper' turned' into' seven'mountains' in' the' southeast'of' the'village.'
They'embraced'the'lake'closely'to'protect'it'and'formed'a'landscape:'seven'stars'around'the'
Moon.'As'time'went'by,' long'years'of'wind'and'rain'wore'down'the'mountains.'Later'still,'
the'Dai'ancestors,'remembering'this,'built'seven'magnificent'halls'according'to'the'bearings'
of'the'seven'stars'of'the'Big'Dipper'(also'known'as'The'Plough).''
corresponding' to' Alioth,' Chonghou' Hall' represents' happiness;' corresponding' to' Mizar,'
Jinhua'Home,stay'project' http://www.jinhua,homestay.com/' '8'
Dunmu' Hall' represents' safety' and' peace;' and' corresponding' to' Alkaid,' Baishun' Hall'
represents'satisfaction'after'rebirth.''
Harmonising'with'the'stars'in'the'sky'and'the'terrain'on'earth,'the'construction'of'the'seven'
halls'has'profound'meaning.'They'surround'the'clear' lake' in'a'magical'way'that'forms'the'
image' of' the' Big' Dipper'with' the' bright'moon' in' it.' Together' they' create' a' superb' part,
natural,'part,artificial' landscape'described'by'the'poem,'“There'are'green'walls'and'brick,
carving'mirroring' the' sky,' here' are' the' stars' and'moon' on' earth.”' For' lovers' of' cultural'
travel,'visiting'the'‘Seven'Stars'Around'the'Moon’'in'Siping'Ancient'Village'is'a'very'special'
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Merak,'the'star'of'wisdom.'It'was'first'built'300'years'ago,'in'the'middle'of'the'Qing'Dynasty'
Siping'village.'Facing'toward'the'west,'it'serves'as'a'perfect'foil'for'the'flat'lower'land'in'the'
north,' the' ancient' woods' in' the' east,' the' dock' of' the'waterway' at' the' northern' foot' of'
Longqiu'Mountain'and'the'rolling'mountains'in'the'west.'The'whole'landscape'design'of'the'
Moon'and'Stars'combines'the'art'of'humanity'with'the'beauty'of'nature,'a'way'to'express'
the'traditional'Chinese'architecture'concept'of'communication'between'the'natural'and'the'
human.'
Figures'and'other'images'on'its'stone'doorway'present'a'lovely'sight'drawn'in'delicate'and'
smooth'lines.'The'doorway'also'has'engraved'the'Chinese'characters'Yingxiang'and'Naqing.'
These'are'common'in'the'village,'and'are'signs'of'welcome,'good'luck'and'happiness.'Other'
carvings'on'the'stone'doorway'show'the'magical'weapons'of'the'Eight'Immortals'who'cross'
the'East'Sea'in'Chinese'mythology.''
rooms'and'two'porches'and'into'three'parts'–'a'memorial'hall,'academy,'and'living'section,'
like'a'miniature'society'with'different'functions.'This'is'different'from'some'much'larger'but'
simpler' halls'with' just' one' function.' The'halls' and' rooms' are' supported'by' 120' tall' stout'
wooden' pillars.' The' rooms' inter,connect,' and' one' can' cross' from' one' end' of' the' hall' to'
another'without'meeting'a'door,'no'need'to'go'outside'on'a'rainy'or'snowy'day.'
very'much' in' the' style' of' a' traditional' Chinese'mansion.' Qishun' Hall' is' important' in' the'
study' of' architectural' history,' clan' culture,' change' and' development' in' ancient' villages,'
social'tradition'and'landscape'evolution.'
Nowadays,' the' main' function' of' the' hall' is' to' commemorate'
villagers'who' have' died.' Their' bodies' are' placed' in' the' hall' for'
seven'days'or'so,'so'that'they'can'be'mourned'and'villagers'can'
pay'their'respects.'They'are'then'cremated.''
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Dai’s'son,in,law,'Liu'Zhaogan'from'Shangjing,'was'the'teacher'of'Emperor'Jiaqing'(reigned'
1760,1820).' He' had' even' served' as' Minister' of' War.' Liben' Hall' still' has' an' ‘antithetical'
couplet’'written'personally'by'him'on'the'central'pillars'of'its'main'hall.'The'left'hand'side'
reads,' "It' is' hard' to' start' a' career' and' your' forefathers' have'paid'with' tears' and' sweat,"'
while' the' right' side' says,' "It' is' difficult' to'maintain' achievement:' our' descendants' should'
avoid' arrogance' and' extravagance.",' thus' transmitting' not' only' an' aspiration' but' also' a'
warning'to'their'descendants.'In'spite'of'the'intervening'generations,'the'couplets'can'still'
be'seen'in'the'hall,'a'historical'witness'encouraging'descendants'to'be'diligent.'
The'front'hall'of'the'building'stands'higher'than'the'courtyard,'and'the'interior'hall'is'higher'
than' the' front' hall,' showing' its' importance.' There' are' nine' stone' steps' leading' from' the'
courtyard'to'the' interior'hall,' reminding'the'occupants'of'the'old'saying,'“Nine'divided'by'
nine' equals' one,”' meaning' that' everything' returns' to' its' origin,' but' also' perhaps'
representing'the'household’s'hopes'for'promotion'to'a'higher'position.'At'the'same'time'it'
also'reflects'the'builders’'respect'for'traditional'culture'and'their'veneration'of'nature.'The'
selection' of' the' site' and' construction' of' the' building' shows' both' the' wisdom' of' refined'
scholars'and'the'skills'of'grassroots'artists.'
trees'can'be'seen'now.'These'things'show'that'the'Dai'family'was'important'and'influential'
tempests'of'time,'and'are'there'still.''
The' layout' of' the' hall' is' symmetrical,' tall' and' spacious.' The' courtyard' is' open,' allowing'
plenty'of'interior'light'to'the'rooms.'The'rooms'are'ventilated'in'a'way'that'discourages'fire.'
At'the'edge'of'the'courtyard'are'green'flagstones'with'channels'which'carry'away'the'water'
that' falls' from' the' roof.' The' two'water' tanks' have' been' hollowed' out' from'wood,' using'
burning' –' a' difficult' skill' that' is' hardly' known' in' our' time.' These' tanks' have' always' had'
multiple'uses'–'breeding'fish,'cultivating'water'lilies,'and'when'needed,'fighting'fires.'''
Outside' the' hall,' the' vivid' brick' carvings' on' the' lintel' are' rich' and' deep' in'meaning.' The'
‘Carp'jumping'over'the'Dragon'Gate’'motif'is'prominent'in'the'middle.'It'symbolises'having'
plenty'of'spending'money'each'year.'The'four'horses'riding'clouds'around'the'carp'remind'
deer'and'the'crane'live'together'in'spring",'which'symbolises'harmony'between'the'people'
living'in'the'building.'The'chrysanthemum'and'magpie'on'the'left'above'the'door'together'
with' plum' blossom' and' another' magpie' on' the' right' contain' the' hope' of' “good' news'
arriving'all'year”.'The'central'image'conveys'a'wish'that'bamboos'and'pines'will'never'fall,'
symbolising'the'prosperity'of'the'family.'In'this'area,'people'always'put'their'greatest'hopes'
and'wishes'into'extensive'and'profound'brick,carving'art.'
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Chongde'Hall'
Chongde' Hall' represents' Megrez,' star' of' love,' and' was' built' in' the' middle' of' the' Qing'
Dynasty'(1636,1912)'about'300'years'ago.'The'local'legend'says'it'was'owned'by'the'second'
brother'of'Dai'Yinniang,'the'famous'Imperial'Concubine.'
The'carvings'on'the'door'show'the'traditional'Chinese'characters'fu,'lu,'shou,'xi'in'the'form'
of' a' seal,' expressing' best' wishes' for' the' future.' The' Chinese'
characters' are' shaped' as' squares,' a' typical' technique' in' brick'
carving'which'adds'a'modern'feeling'to'the'ancient'seal'form.'The'
zi),'which' is'a'way'to'say' ‘His'Majesty’' in'Chinese,'and'serves'to'
spaces' are' carefully' designed' and' the' layout' is' arranged' very'
successfully.'People'living'inside'feel'comfortable'in'both'summer'
especially'the'exquisite'work'on'the'beam.'The'beam'as'a'whole,'
home'of'the'first'museum'of'traditional'Chinese'oil,painting'in'China.'
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called' Dawu' (Big' Room),' was' built' in' the' period' of'
Xianzong' (reigning' from' 1464' to' 1487)' of' the'Ming'
Dynasty.' Yinniang' lived' in' this' house' until' she' was'
selected' to' be' a' maid' in' the' Palace' of' Earthly'
Tranquillity' (the' Emperor’s' palace).' Later' the' house'
was'repaired'over'many'generations,'but'the'Dawu'did'not'change.'Even'Yinniang’s'boudoir'
has'remained'untouched.''
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The' brick' carving' of' the' door' eaves' is' delicate,' hollow' brick' carving.' Stylised' flowers' are'
added'at'the'top'of'the'facade,'and'in'the'middle'above'the'door'there'is'a'gourd.'On'each'
side' of' the' gourd' is' a' metal' peach' leaf' –' these' two' leaves' are' actually' a' lightning' rod'
intended' to' protect' the' brick' carving,' and' the' only' one' to' remain' intact' in' the'whole' of'
China.'The'device'is'extremely'skilful'and'exquisite.'
Dai'Yinniang,'also'known'as'Dai'Lanyuan,'the'daughter'of'Dai'Fahua'of'Siping,'was'good'at'
calligraphy' in' her' childhood.' Emperor' Xianzong' commanded' an' imperial' eunuch' to' travel'
through' southern' China' to' select' young' girls' from' good' families' to' become'maids' in' the'
imperial'palace.'Her'family'was'forced'to'let'their'daughter'serve'as'a'maid'in'the'Palace'of'
Earthly'Tranquillity.'Later'Emperor'Xianzong'stayed'three'nights'with'her,'a'significant'sign'
was'Ning'came'to'Tangxi'County'and'brought'a'letter'from'Yinniang.'In'the'letter'she'asks'
after'the'health'of'her'mother'and'brother.'Her'longing'for'her'dearest'family'members'can'
be'felt'in'every'word.'The'letter,'along'with'some'books'from'the'palace,'was'preserved'and'
still'exists.''
After' Yinniang' became' an' imperial' concubine,' Emperor' Xianzong' of' the' Ming' Dynasty'
conferred' the'honour'of'building'a'great' residence'suitable' for' the'emperor’s' ‘brother,in,
law’' on' Siping' Village' and' exempted' people' in' the' village' from' taxation' for' eight' years.'
Many' luxurious'buildings' still' survive' in'Siping' today,' showing' the'high'position'and'great'
wealth'that'generations'in'Siping'received'from'the'honouring'of'Yinniang'as'the'concubine'
of'Emperor'Xianzong.''
Even'now'the'bed,'the'quilts'and'the'clothes'hanging'racks'used'by'Yinniang'are'still'kept'in'
her'boudoir.'As'the'clothes'in'ancient'times'were'voluminous,'the'clothes'hanging'racks'are'
large,'to'keep'the'clothes'flat.'Her'dressing'table'with'bronze'mirror'and'drawer'is'also'kept'
in'the'boudoir.'The'stool'beside'the'dressing'table'is'hollow'underneath'so'a'stove'could'be'
put'under'it'to'defend'against'the'cold.'Opposite'the'door'of'the'room'is'a'wooden'device'
used'to'carry'clothes'and'props'used'when'local'operas'were'performed.'
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birth,' the' neighbours' noticed' one' colourful' cloud' after' another' flying' from' the' east' and'
gathering' in' the' sky' over' the'house.' Suddenly,' a'melody' from'heaven'was'heard'while' a'
waft'of'fragrance'floated'on'the'breeze.'The'neighbours'were'astonished,'and'said'that'the'
newborn'infant,'a'girl'called'Yinniang,'must'be'destined'to'become'someone'of'wealth'and'
high'status.'
Another'tale'is'told'of'the'young'Yinniang.'At'that'time,'the'fertile'twenty'acre'field'below'
Jiufeng' Mountain' was' the' property' of' Jiufeng' Temple,' next' to' Donglai' Village,' where' a'
retired' rich' old' man' lived.' He' had' two' red,crowned' cranes' bestowed' on' him' by' the'
Emperor.'These'two'cranes'flew'and'danced'in'the'fields,'attracting'lots'of'birds'which'ate'
the'grain'from'the'fields.'However,'the'watchdog'of'Jiufeng'Temple'accidentally'killed'the'
cranes,'so'the'rich'old'man'asked'the'magistrate'of'the'prefecture'to'fine'the'temple'and'
compensate'him'for'the'cranes.''
Seeing'this,'the'five,year,old'Yinniang'said'in'her'childish'voice,'“If'you'are'all'people,'why'
are'you'quarrelling'about'animals'so'desperately?'Those'birds'wasting'the'grain'was'animal'
behaviour,' having' nothing' to' do' with' people;' the' dog' killing' the' cranes' was' also' animal'
business,'having'nothing'to'do'with'people.”'
When'Yinniang'was'about'five'or'six,'a'large'tinea'(ringworm)'mark'appeared'on'her'head.'
face'daily'with'the'well'water,'she'became'more'and'more'pretty.'
A'year'later,'Emperor'Xianzong'(1464,1487)'of'the'Ming'Dynasty'commanded'officials'to'go'
to' Jiangnan' and' pick' out' beautiful' girls' to' be' maids' serving' in' his' Palace' of' Earthly'
Tranquillity.' So' this' fifteen,year,old'girl'went' to'Beijing' in'a' sedan,chair.' In' the' first' three'
years,'Yinniang'was'not'yet'the'concubine'of'Emperor'Xianzong,'thus'“the'well'water'was'
Yinniang' attended' the' Dowager' Empress' for' ten' years.' Seeing' her' homesickness,' the'
Dowager'Empress'then'approved'a'visit'home'to'her'parents,'with'the'title'of'Princess'Shu.'
When'Yinniang'emerged'from'the'elaborate'sedan,chair'in'a'village'girl’s'dress,'the'people'
were'all'surprised.'Seeing'them'holding'a'red'carpet,'Yinniang'asked,'“My'dear'people,'what'
are'you'doing?”'“The'construction'of'the'national'road'has'not'been'finished,'so'we'have'
laid' a' red' carpet' on' the' muddy' road,' to' welcome' you' back' to' Siping' Village,”' said' the'
people.' Yinniang' smiled' and' said,' “I' was' born' to' be' a' village' girl,' so' I' am' able' to' bear'
hardships.'I'am'here'to'visit'my'parents,'so'I'am'willing'to'walk'on'the'muddy'road.”'
devoted'himself' so' fully' to'creating'a'safe'environment' in' the'county,'punishing'criminals'
harshly,'fighting'natural'disasters,'and'developing'agriculture'that'he'almost'forgot'to'eat'or'
sleep.' He' wanted' to' create' a' Tangxi' County' where' people' lived' a' peaceful' life' in' an'
integrated'society.''
treated.'With'the'help'of'Yinniang,'Imperial'Concubine'Shu,'and'the'support'of'the'people,'
Song'fought'his'vicious'opponents,'until'he'finally'defeated'the'forces'of'evil'and'won'great'
commendation.'
According' to' the'County% Annals% of% Tangxi,' while' Yinniang' served' in' the' Palace' of' Earthly' Tranquillity,' she' spent' three' nights' with' the' Emperor.' The' Emperor' then' conferred' the'
honour'of'building'a' great' residence' suitable' for' the'emperor’s' ‘brother,in,law’'on' Siping'
Village' and' exempted' people' in' the' village' from' taxation' for' eight' years.'Many' luxurious'
buildings' still' survive' in' Siping' today,' showing' the' high' position' and' great' wealth' that'
generations'in'Siping'received'from'the'honouring'of'Yinniang'as'the'concubine'of'Emperor'
Xianzong.''
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wives'of'a'family' in'the'village.'Located'originally'at'the'boundary'of'the'village,'the'tomb'
‘moved’' into' the' village' as' it' grew' over' time.' Perhaps'we' can' say' this' ancient' tomb' has'
witnessed'the'development'of'Siping'Village.'
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The' ancestral' hall,' dwellings,' pool' pavilion,' and' tower' fit' together' beautifully,' making'
Chonghou' Hall' resemble' a' small' palace.' The' facade' of' Chonghou' Hall' is' spectacular' and'
magnificent,'and'novel'in'design'with'the'brick'carving'Nine'Lions'Scrambling'for'A'Ball'on'
the'upper'area'of'the'facade'and'stone'carving'of'the'Eight'Immortals*'on'the'lower'area.'
The'huge'courtyard'is'a'wonder'in'southern'China.''
In' the' Emperor' Tongzhi' period' (1862' ,' 1874)' of' the' Qing' Dynasty,' there' were' five'
generations'alive' in' the' family'Chonghou'Hall'namely'Shu,'Xiang,'Yan,'Qing'and'Yi,'which'
earned' them' the' title' “A' Flourishing' and' Glorious' Family' with' Five' Generations' Alive”'
conferred'on'them'by'the'Emperor.'
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Dunmu'Hall'
In'1965'the'facade'of'Dunmu'Hall'was'blown'down'in'a'typhoon,'so'what'can'be'seen'today'
is' the' restored' version.' Dunmu'Hall' is' the' residence' of' the' fourth' son' of' the' Dai' family.'
Jinhua'Home,stay'project' http://www.jinhua,homestay.com/' '20'
Spending' without' restraint,' he' was' an' idler' who' did' not' make' good' use' of' the' fortune'
inherited'from'his'father.'He'did'not'treat'the'craftsmen'politely,'so'they'did'not'take'care'
in' building' the' house.' They' did' not' even' measure' the' length' of' the' supporting' pillars'
accurately,'so'that'there'was'a'gap'between'the'top'of'the'pillars'and'the'roof.'There'was'
no' other' choice' than' to' use' another' beam' to' fill' the' space.' They' painted' the' pillars' and'
crossbeams'to'make'the'house'more'beautiful,'making' it' the'only'painted'house' in'Siping'
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Located' behind' the' old' commercial' street,' one' house' in' this'
historic'village'was'a'wine'shop'at'one'time.'There'are'three'iron'
forks'on'its'lintel'to'ward'off'evil.'On'one'side'of'the'house'is'an'
attic,'where'the'girls'did'their'embroidery'in'the'old'days.'Wood,
carvings' shaped' like' lions' support' the' brackets' (dou’gong)' with'
their'hind'legs.'Wine'jars'and'utensils'from'the'wine'shop'are'still'
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Baishun'Hall,' the'ancestral'hall'of'the'Dai,'was'built' in'the'Ming'Dynasty'(1368,'1644)'but'
was' later' completely' destroyed.' In' the' ninth' year' of' Emperor' Daoguang' (1829),' it' was'
rebuilt,'covering'an'area'of'about'800'square'meters.'Baishun'Tang'corresponds'to'the'star'
style'is'magnificent'and'unique,'with'wooden'pillars'harmonising'with'light,reflecting'pools'
inside'the'hall.'In'the'central'part'of'the'hall'is'a'raised'stage'with'room'for'a'large'audience.'
explaining' local' customs' like' the' Rape' Flower' Festival' and' Tangxi' dumplings,' a' kind' of'
delicious'rice'dumpling.'
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over'400'years.'At' its' inception,'Nao'Huatai'was'a'way'of'demonstrating'the'strength'and'
capability' of' the' members' of' the' ‘sit,singing' troupe’.' Over' time,' Nao' Huatai' gradually'
developed'into'a'form'of'performance.'
' This' style' of' opera' needs' instruments' such' as' the' xianfeng' (a' long' horn),' hengfeng'
(flute),' jizi' (a' small,sized' suona' horn),' lihua' (queen,sized' suona' horn),' a' kind' of' erhu'
(stringed'instrument),'bang'(a'kind'of'small,sized'wooden'clapper),'zhang’gu'(a'kind'of'large'
drum' with' an' inspiring' sound,' associated' with' victory)' and' large' and' small' gongs.' The'
person'who'takes'charge'of'the'bang'and'drum'conducts'the'troupe.'On'his'left'the'second'
famous' and' characteristic' Nao' Huatai' operas' expressing' happiness' and' good' fortune,'
including'The%Eight%Immortals,%Yinniang%at%the%Foot%of%Jiufeng%Mountain,'Nao%Ertai'and'other' repertoire.'The' skills' and'virtuosity'of' these'players'are'handed'down' from'generation' to'
generation,' with' players' also' learning' from' each' other.' All' this' has' contributed' to'
developing'the'great'skills'of'the'present,day'troupes.'School'children'now'also'often'have'
the'opportunity'to'learn'some'of'these'instruments.''
but'these'days'they'also'perform'at'funerals.'Each'performance'requires'at'least'5'people,'
and'there'are'often'more'erhu'players.'
' In'Nao'Huatai,'the'sections'of'music'and'length'of'performance'are'not'fixed.'Usually,'
after'playing'several'sections,'the'players'will'have'a'rest,'and'then'go'on.'
''''The' Siping' sit,singing' troupe' has' won' the' second' prize' twice' in' the' Hua' Toutai'
competition'held'for'the'Wucheng'District'of'Jinhua'City.'
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three'generations'here'in'Siping.''
Master'Wu'is'not'only'a'talent'in'the'folk'arts'in'Zhejiang'Province'but'also'the'founder'of'
the' Institute' of' Ceramic' Art.' His' children' are' gifted' and' interested' in' pottery' making,'
especially'his'daughter'who'has'been'awarded'many'prizes,'some'for'‘carving’'or'engraving'
the' ceramics.' Master' Wu' now' is' too' old' to' continue' his' work.' It' is' a' pity' that' his'
grandchildren' have' no' interest' in' pottery.' He'worries' that' the' ceramic' art' will' fail' to' be'
handed'down'from'generation'to'generation,'and'he'hopes'young'people'will'be'attracted'
by' traditional' handicrafts' like' ceramics.' It’s' said' that' there' are' only' three' old' people' left'
capable'of'making'this'craft'pottery'in'Jinhua.'
Atmospheric'humidity'is'important,'and'depending'on'the'weather'conditions,'the'working,
time'of'each'stage'varies.'
Thoughts'&'Reflections'
The'traditional'pottery,working'process'with'its'tools'is'labour'intensive'and'very'hard'work,'
and' so,' as' he' grew' older,' Master' Wu' tried' hard' to' develop' electronic' pottery,making'
equipment.'However,'he'didn’t'know'how'to'draw'designs'for'what'he'wanted,'so'he'had'to'
try'to'tell'the'workers'his'ideas'and'requirements.'During'the'development'period,'all'kinds'
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Wickerwork'
Porcelain'vessels'of'various'kinds,'wrapped'in'woven'bamboo,'are'an'old'and'valued'craft.'
The'bamboo'used'is'an'extremely'long'and'jointless'type,'brought'from'Chengdu,'far'to'the'
west.' The' entire' production' process' is' done' by' hand.' It' includes' splitting' the' bamboo,'
heating' it'above'a' flame,' removing' the' joints,' fixing' the'colours,' smoothing,' slicing' it' into'
fine' ‘threads’' and' so' on.' The' bamboo' thread'made' is' of' fine' quality,' with' a' rectangular'
section,'and'very'even'–' just'one'or' two'hairs’'width' in'depth,'and' four'or' five'wide.'The'
process'of'cutting'bamboo'thread'evenly'is'extremely'skilled.'The'entire'operation'is'done'
piece.'
Bamboo'weaving'is'of' little'profit'because'the'materials'used'are'low'cost,'so'most'young'
people'are'reluctant'to'learn'or'inherit'this'skill.'
'Fan'Genlin,'known'as'Master'Fan,'is'one'of'this'craft’s'inheritors,'who'started'to'learn'these'
skills'from'his'masters'at'the'age'of'fifteen.'After'45'years,'the'60,year,old'Master'Fan'said'
with'great'sincerity,'“I'learned'it'from'my'master'and'this'craft'will'be'lost'to'the'world'if'no'
young' people'want' to' inherit' it.”' According' to'Master' Fan,' it' takes' at' least' five' years' to'
make'a'good'craft'piece'if'you'are'a'new'learner.'
A'marriage'tradition:''
There' is' a' tradition' attached' to' the' baskets'made' for' sweet' green' rice' balls.' Young'men'
throw'their'rice'balls'into'the'basket'of'the'girl'they'like,'and'the'girl'who'gets'the'most'balls'
while' worshiping' their' ancestors' on' Tomb' Sweeping' Day.' This' tradition' started' in' the'
Southern'Song'Dynasty' (1127,1275)'and' continued' till' the' Late'Qing'Dynasty' (1840,1912)'
and'the'early'period'of'the'Republic'of'China.'
We'are'told'by'Fan'Yisheng,'the'34 th 'generation'of'the'Fan'family'in'Houda'Village,'that'the'
sweet' green' rice' ball' is' made' from' rice,' wheat,' sorghum,' millet' and' other' grains' mixed'
together,'and'seems'to'symbolise'fertility.'The'Fan'family'in'Houda'was'a'distinguished'local'
family'who'farmed'the'land,'and'read'the'Chinese'classics,'indicating'that'they'were'refined'
and' ethical' people.' Their' sons' would' be' good' marriage' choices' for' young' girls' from'
neighbouring'villages.'
Old'habits'become'traditions.'Every'year'when'the'Fan'family'worshiped'their'ancestors'on'
Tomb'Sweeping'Day,'all'the'bachelors'of'the'family'had'to'prove'that'they'were'still'single'
and'put'their'names'down'for'the'activity.'Once'this'had'been'agreed,'their'parents'would'
prepare' some' sweet' green' rice'balls' and'wait' in' the'ancestral' hall' of' the' family' Fan.' The'
registered'young'men'would'put'on'special'mandarin' jackets.'Young'girls'of'marriageable'
age'would'also'register.'Accompanied'by'their'families,'they'would'bring'a'basket.'The'girls'
of'the'Fan'family'did'not'participate.'
At'the'appointed'time,'villagers'would'start'to'sound'gongs'and'all'the'members'of'the'Fan'
family'set'out'from'their'ancestral'hall'with'their'sacrifices'for'their'ancestors,'passing'the'
old'houses'and'streets'until'they'reached'the'ancestral'graves'of'their'family.'With'all'the'
villagers' watching,' the' family' performed' the' sacrifice' and' then' young' men' threw' sweet'
green'rice'balls'which'signified'sanctity.'
According'to'the'ancestral'laws'of'the'Fan'family,'the'rice'ball'throwing'had'nine'steps.'The'
eighth'was'the'dance' in'front'of'the'opera'hall,'accompanied'by'the'waist,drum.'The'girls'
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Special(Snacks(
Lye'Sauce'Cake'
Lye' Sauce' Cake' is' a' famous' kind' of' refreshment' in' Tangxi,' named' after' lye,' one' of' its'
ingredients.'It'comes'in'two'forms,'one'known'as'Layer'Cake'and'the'other'as'Scholar'Cake.'
planted'and'reaped'twice'a'year'and'leave'the'haulm'only.'Burn'it,'immediately'putting'the'
ash'into'hot'water'where'it'partly'dissolves.'Repeat'this'process'eight'to'nine'times'and'the'
hot'water'produced'is'the'lye'sauce.'Its'main'use'is'soaking'newly'harvested'rice'clean.''
The'mahogany' Layer' Cake,' as' the' name' implies,' is' made' of'many' layers,' seasoned' with'
brown' sugar,' with' every' layer' thin' and' light.' It' is' flexible,' sweet' and' soft' but' not' sticky.'
Scholar'Cake,'also'called'Zuo'Cake,'is'seasoned'with'refined'white'sugar.'
Historic'tradition'
In'olden' times,'people' in'Tangxi' called'Mid,July'Day'Ghost'Day,'or' the'Ullabana.' It' is' said'
that'on' that'day' the'door'of'hell'opens'and'all' the'hungry'ghosts' rush'out'and' roam' the'
world' to' enjoy' the' sacrifices'made' to' them'by' the' living.' Each' family' should'make' ready'
some'food'for'passing'spirits.'The'recipes'for'the'traditional'foods'made'for'the'spirits'are'
passed'down'through'the'generations'and'Lye'Sauce'Cake' is'one'of'the'special'Ghost'Day'
foods.'
'Later'on,'Zuo'Cake'became'one'of'the'four'betrothal'presents'from'the'groom'to'his'future'
wife’s'relatives.'The'other'three'were'Yin'Cake,'Salty'Bun'and'Sweet'Bun.'The'four'betrothal'
presents'are'rather'like'the'wedding'cake'in'modern'times'that'the'bride'sends'to'relatives'
after'the'wedding.'
These'days,'Lye'Sauce'Cake'is'a'fine'gift'that'Tangxi'people'give'each'other'at'festivals.'
Characteristics'of'Special'Snacks'
Layer'Cake'is'soft,'glutinous,'fragrant'and'sweet,'and'every'layer'is'extremely'thin'and'light.'
It' tastes' refreshing' and' has' a' slight' straw' scent.' Compared'with' Layer' Cake,' Zuo' Cake' is'
more'fluffy.'Take'a'bite'of'Lye'Sauce'Cake,'and'you'will'smell'and'taste'the'sugar,'rice'flour,'
straw' and' lotus' leaves' in' the' bamboo' steamer.' All' together' they' give' people' a' double'
pleasure'in'taste'and'in'mind.'
Lye'Sauce'Cake'can'be'eaten'for'breakfast'and'as'a'snack.'The'Lye'Sauce'Cake' in'Siping' is'
completely'hand'made'and'strictly'in'the'traditional'manner.'The'taste'is'pure.'It'is'packed'
for'the'market'and'can'be'exported.''
Production'Method'
''''The'first'step'to'make'Layer'Cake'is'to'process'the'materials.'High'quality'rice'harvested'
that'year'needs'to'be'soaked'in'the'gray'lye'sauce'for'one'day'and'one'night.'Then'it'is'part,
dried,' and' ground' to' a' wet' paste' in' a' stone' mill.' The' paste' is' poured' into' pots' and'
fermented' for' some' time.' Once' the' fermentation' is' complete,' the' paste' is' checked' for'
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quality'and'the'selected,'smooth'paste'is'poured'into'moulds.'A'layer'of'paste'is'followed'by'
one'of'refined'white'sugar'and'then'one'of'brown'sugar,'and'this' is'repeated.'Those'who'
are'good'at'making'this'can'make'nine'layers'at'once.'When'it'has'set,'the'uncooked'cakes'
are' unmoulded' and' steamed' over' lotus' leaves' in' a' bamboo' steamer.' The' grinding' and'
steaming'process'takes'more'than'two'hours.'The'production'method'of'Zuo'Cake'is'similar'
but'only'refined'white'sugar'is'used'instead'of'brown.''