Ancestral Hall of Mao Family in Yongsheng County, Lijiang

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The Ancestral Hall of Mao Family (毛氏宗祠) is located in Maojiabao (毛家湾), Fengyu Village (凤羽村), Chenghai Town (程海镇), Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang (丽江市), Yunnan Province. It is the ancestral home of the Mao family (毛氏), specifically the family’s roots trace back to Mao Taihua (毛太华), the founder of both the Yongsheng Mao family and the Shaoshan Mao family (韶山毛氏), who migrated from Jiangxi Province (江西省) to settle in the area.

The Ancestral Hall was originally a military garrison established by Mao Taihua during the Qing Dynasty (清朝). In the early years of the Kangxi Emperor‘s reign (康熙帝), it was rebuilt and transformed by Mao Wing Sheng (毛翼圣), a descendant of the Mao family, into the present-day ancestral hall. The hall occupies 2400 square meters with a building area of 800 square meters.

Historical Background

The Origin of the Mao Family in Yongsheng:

• Mao Taihua, a military leader during the late Ming and early Qing periods, originally hailed from Longcheng, Jizhou, Jiangxi Province (江西吉州龙城). He migrated to Yongsheng County to establish a garrison and cultivate land along the Lancang River (澜沧卫). His descendants settled here, with the Mao family (毛氏) spreading to various regions in China, particularly to Shaoshan (韶山) and Yongsheng (永胜).

• In the early Ming Dynasty, Mao Taihua’s descendants split, with his sons, including Mao Qing Er (毛清二) and Mao Qing San (毛清三), staying in Yongsheng and forming the core of the Yongsheng Mao family lineage.

The Evolution of the Ancestral Hall:

• Originally built as a military garrison during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the Ancestral Hall became a significant place of gathering and worship for the Mao family. In the 1950s, it was repurposed as Fengyu Central Primary School (凤羽中心小学).

• In 2003, the hall was reconstructed to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Mao Zedong’s birth. The reconstructed hall expanded to 2534 square meters, with over 900 square meters of building area and 13 rooms. The hall now features the main hall, two exhibition rooms: “Mao Family Culture Exhibition Hall” (毛氏文化陈列室) and “Border Garrison Culture Exhibition Hall” (边屯文化陈列室).

Architecture:

• The Ancestral Hall’s architecture is influenced by Ming and Qing dynasty (明清建筑) styles, with overhanging eaves, decorated beams, and red walls with green tiles, creating an atmosphere of both antiquity and solemnity. The main hall features a plaque reading “Dunben Tang” (敦本堂), meaning “A Hall of Upholding Tradition”, and another plaque with the phrase “Congting Yixun” (聪听彝训), meaning “Listening to Yi Education”.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Ancestors and Heritage:

• According to the Shaoshan Mao Family Genealogy (韶山毛氏族谱), the first ancestor of the Mao family, Mao Taihua, originated from Jiangxi Province and was a military general. The genealogy traces the family’s lineage, indicating that both Shaoshan Mao family and Yongsheng Mao family share the same origins.

• A stone inscription in the Ancestral Hall, discovered in 2001, records the family’s migration history, providing valuable evidence of the historical significance of this region.

Family Legacy:

• The hall preserves the historical legacy of Mao Taihua, and his descendants, including Mao Zedong (毛泽东), the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, are part of this family’s rich history.

• The hall serves as a cultural symbol for both the Shaoshan Mao family and the Yongsheng Mao family, emphasizing ancestral reverence, family tradition, and patriotism. The family has continued to uphold Confucian ideals, emphasizing learning, virtue, and respect for ancestors.

Genealogy and Cultural Exhibitions:

• Inside the Ancestral Hall, visitors can find displays of the Mao family genealogy (毛氏族谱), including the Shaoshan Mao family genealogy and the Yongsheng Mao family genealogy, providing a deep dive into the family’s historical roots and cultural heritage.

• Exhibits focus on the history of the military garrisons and the border garrison culture (边屯文化), which blends Central Plains culture (中原文化) with ethnic traditions of the borderlands.

Key Features

The “Mao Zedong” Exhibition:

• The newly restored hall features an exhibition space dedicated to Mao Zedong, the most famous descendant of the Mao family, showcasing his life, works, and contributions to China’s history.

The “Mao Family Culture” Exhibition:

• This hall highlights the cultural practices, customs, and legacy of the Mao family. The family motto and teachings emphasize family unity, education, and respect for tradition. The plaque “Dunben Tang” and family poems inscribed on the walls illustrate the importance of passing on knowledge and virtue to future generations.

Memorial Inscription:

• A memorial inscription found on a stone monument at the Mao Zedong Memorial Park (毛泽东纪念园) provides evidence of the family’s history and their migration from Jiangxi to Yongsheng.

Tourist Information

Location:

The Ancestral Hall of Mao Family is situated in Maijiabao (毛家湾), Fengyu Village (凤羽村), Chenghai Town (程海镇), Yongsheng County (永胜县), approximately 10 kilometers from Yongsheng County and 6 kilometers from the Hongshiya Ancient Earthquake Site (红石崖古地震遗址).

Opening Hours:

• Opening Time: 08:00 to 17:00 daily.

• Recommended Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Nearby Attractions:

• Mao Zedong Memorial Park (毛泽东纪念园): Located near the Ancestral Hall, dedicated to the memory of Mao Zedong, featuring exhibits on his life and family history.

• Border Garrison Culture Museum (边屯文化博物馆): Offers a deeper understanding of the border garrison culture and its influence on the local region.

Admission:

• Adult Tickets: ¥50

• Children’s Tickets: ¥25 (Free for children under 1.2 meters in height).

Best Time to Visit:

• The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration.

Local Cuisine:

• Experience local Yongsheng cuisine at nearby restaurants that offer authentic Yunnan dishes, including wild mushrooms and rice noodles.

Transportation

From Lijiang:

• By Car/Taxi: The Ancestral Hall is located about 1.5 hours by car from Lijiang city.

• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Chenghai Town (程海镇), then take a local taxi to the Ancestral Hall (approximately ¥25-35).

From Kunming:

• By Car: The journey from Kunming to Yongsheng County takes about 5 hours by car via the Kunming-Mo Highway and Lipan Expressway.

Local Transportation:

• From Yongsheng County: Take a local bus or private car to Maijiabao village, approximately 20 minutes from the county.

Cultural Significance

The Ancestral Hall of Mao Family is not only an architectural and historical landmark but also a cultural symbol of the Mao family’s enduring legacy in Yongsheng County. It serves as a place of reflection on the values of family, education, and ancestral reverence, offering visitors a deep insight into the rich history and culture of this esteemed family lineage.