Su Zhou Lian Ancestral Hall Introduction
The Chia Yi Baibian Shrine, the oldest existing ancestral hall in Chiayi City, has served for over a century as a place for the Su family to conduct ancestor worship and foster community ties in the Greater Chiayi area. It holds significant research value for the study of clan development history and continues to maintain rituals that inspire kinship members to trace their roots, embodying deep cultural significance. There is a saying in the community: "The Su family of Chiayi defines half of the city." Notable family members Su Hsiao-te and Su Yu-chi have served as district leaders and established the Mei Chi Trading Company, gaining considerable fame and closely connecting with the political, economic, and cultural development of Chiayi City. To promote respect for ancestors and kinship, this ancestral hall was established at the beginning of Japanese rule and evolved from the Su family temple into a shared hall for the Su, Chou, and Lian families. Inside, it houses 31 spirit tablets, including those for the ancestors of the Su family who achieved the degree of Jinshi, as well as a special tablet for the deity known as Wang Gong, the benefactor of the Su family. This building exemplifies a luxurious residential structure transformed into an ancestral hall, reflecting traditional Minnan architectural style, well-preserved with a five-bay layout and a three-section courtyard arrangement. Remarkably, the central hall was constructed without the use of any nails or iron. The wood carvings on the doorframes and the intricate decorative paintings are exquisite, and the windows feature a unique opening design. The building includes a corridor and a truss system with arched beams that interlock between the beams and brackets. Uniquely, each bay also features two sets of douzhu grass, which is quite rare, showcasing refined craftsmanship with artistic value. **Historical Trivia:** In 1896, the ancestors of the Su family raised funds to purchase a second-hand house, which was renovated to serve as the Su family temple. In the 47th year of the Republic era, it was renamed the Su-Chou-Lian Ancestral Hall.
