Heshun Ancestral Hall of Li Family in Tengchong County, Baoshan

Heshun Ancestral Hall of Li Family (和顺李氏宗祠), located in Heshun Ancient Town (和顺古镇), Tengchong County (腾冲县), Baoshan (保山市), Yunnan Province, was built in 1920. Covering over 4,000 square meters, this grand structure is set on elevated terrain, offering expansive views and a peaceful environment. The hall houses couplets inscribed by prominent figures from the early Republic of China, such as Tan Yankai (谭延恺) and Li Genyuan (李根源). Historically, the Li Family produced notable cultural figures, including Li Yuegai (李曰垓), the secretary to the Governor of Yunnan, and philosopher Ai Siqi (艾思奇), whose birth name was Li Shengxuan (李生萱).

The ancestral hall is a typical representation of the culture of overseas Chinese in Western Yunnan, and it holds the distinction of being listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage site by Yunnan Province.

Historical Background

• Construction: The ancestral hall was initiated by Li Yuegai (李曰垓), a 17th-generation descendant of the Li family, in 1920. The construction took six years to complete, overcoming the steep terrain by filling the mountainsides.

• Family Origins: The Li family traces its roots back over 600 years, with the first ancestor, He Shibo (赫师波), arriving in Tengchong during the Ming Dynasty to defend the borders. The family later settled in Yangwending Village (阳温登村).

• Cultural Significance: The Li family’s ancestral hall is one of the eight major family halls in Heshun Ancient Town. In 2006, it was designated a key cultural heritage site by the government of Yunnan Province.

Architectural and Scenic Features

Layout and Structure

The ancestral hall spans 4,000 square meters and follows the contours of the Black Dragon Ridge (黑龙岭), with six terraces that are connected by more than 100 stone steps. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Wild Duck Lake (野鸭湖).

Architectural Style

The hall is constructed using volcanic rock, with a traditional double-eaved Xieshan-style roof (重檐歇山式). The ground is paved with slip-resistant basalt, combining both defensive and aesthetic elements.

Scenic Highlights

• In spring, peach, plum, and cherry blossoms bloom in vibrant competition, while autumn offers a stunning view of the colorful stone steps, formed by mineral deposits.

• From the main hall, visitors can enjoy a view of the entire Mount Laifeng (来凤山).

Notable Cultural Figures

• Li Yuegai (李曰垓): A revolutionary figure during the Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命), Li Yuegai was a prominent leader of the Yunnan Army and wrote the famous Anti-Yuan Exhortation (讨袁檄文), which was praised as "A Brush from the South" by renowned scholar Zhang Taiyan (章太炎). He also played a key role in developing the western frontier of Yunnan.

• Ai Siqi (艾思奇): A Marxist philosopher and father of Li Shengxuan (李生萱), who was a key cultural and intellectual figure in modern Chinese history. The family’s house is now a cultural heritage site.

• International Influence: The hall also houses relics such as an American bread oven and a German grandfather clock, symbols of the Li family’s overseas connections and history as part of the overseas Chinese community.

Tourist Information

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM (open year-round).

• Admission: Entrance is included in the Heshun Ancient Town ticket, priced at ¥55 for a 7-day pass.

• Transportation: Visitors can either walk or take a sightseeing bus (one-way fare ¥10) within Heshun Ancient Town. It is recommended to visit in conjunction with Liu Family Ancestral Hall (刘氏宗祠) and Wild Duck Lake.

Related Attractions

• Liu Family Ancestral Hall (刘氏宗祠): Known for its luxurious design.

• Cun Family Ancestral Hall (寸氏宗祠): The oldest ancestral hall in the town.

• Cultural Experience: The ancestral hall offers cultural exhibitions and activities such as surname plaque searches to connect visitors with their ancestral roots.

Explore the Heshun Ancestral Hall to delve into the deep cultural history of Heshun Ancient Town, a peaceful and rich testament to the legacy of the Li family and their contributions to local culture and history.