Yigu Hall Introduction
Yigu Hall is located in the Qionglin settlement and was built around the 20th year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1840), making it nearly two hundred years old. Initially established as a social school for villagers' learning, it later served as an elementary school and an office for the military. Eventually, it transformed into a daycare for farmers during busy seasons. Unlike typical ancestral halls, temples, or traditional residences, Yigu Hall features a courtyard-style layout with a middle partition wall, emphasizing the entrance with a recessed design. The building adopts a hip roof style, adorned with clay sculptures of mythical Qilong dragons on the ridge, with flowing water shapes that possess a striking aesthetic. The craftsmanship is meticulous; although it feels enclosed due to the surrounding walls, stepping inside reveals dynamic spatial changes that bring a sense of liveliness. Viewed in the context of traditional homes, it is truly a masterpiece of design. It also boasts a variety of unique and rarely seen window shapes, each creatively designed and worthy of careful appreciation. Pomegranate Window: symbolizes many offspring and joyful auspiciousness. Round Window: represents harmony and completeness, filling the environment with joy and hope. Scroll Window: encourages younger generations to study poetry and maintain a scholarly family legacy, reminding one of the ancient wisdom of hard work and eventual success. Fan-shaped Window: shares a homophonic relation with goodwill, representing good deeds and auspiciousness. Bamboo-joint Window: embodies a garden-like charm appreciated by both refined and common individuals, with bamboo symbolizing virtue and integrity, conveying the wish for continuous improvement. Water Bottle Window: represents peace and safety.
