Su Zhou Lian Ancestral Hall Introduction
The Chiayi Hundred-Year Shrine is the oldest existing shrine in Chiayi City, serving as a place for the Su clan to worship their ancestors and promote clan fellowship in the Greater Chiayi area for over a century. It holds significant research value in the history of clan development and maintains continuous worship activities, inspiring clan members to seek their roots, imbued with profound cultural meaning. It is said among the locals, "The Su clan of Chiayi is half of Chiayi City." Notable members of the Su clan, Su Hsiao-Te and Su Yu-Chi, have served as district chiefs and established the Mei Ji business, gaining considerable reputation and closely linked to the political, economic, and cultural development of Chiayi City. To promote the respect for ancestors, this shrine was established at the beginning of the Japanese rule and evolved from the Su family temple into a common shrine for the Su, Zhou, and Lien clans. Inside the shrine, there are 31 deities dedicated to the ancestors of the Su clan who passed the imperial examinations and received titles, along with a special deity representing the Su clan’s benefactor, the Wang Gong ancestor. This building is an example of a luxurious residence converted into a shrine, belonging to the traditional Minnan style, well-preserved with a total of five bays, a one-entry three-compound layout, built without a single nail or iron in the main hall. The wooden carvings and paintings on the door lintel are exquisite, with uniquely designed wooden windows, a corridor with a straw mat, and a truss structure. The eaves feature arch-shaped beams interlinked, with each bay displaying two sets of bracket supports, which is quite rare. The workmanship is detailed and intricate, possessing artistic value. Historical note: In 1896, the ancestors of the Su clan raised funds to purchase an old house, which was renovated as the Su family temple. In 1958, it was renamed the Su, Zhou, and Lien Clan Shrine.
