The Complex of Seven Arches, built by the Baos, is located in Tangyue Village 6km west of Shexian County. These memorial archways wind their ways into a simple and elegant group. Three were built during the Ming Dynasty; the others were built during the Qing. All of them are in order of loyalty, filial piety, moral integrity and justice. In recent years, it has been used as the backdrop for such films as "A Dream of the Red Mansions" and "Smoke Blocked Double-eaved Roof", and it has become a world-famous tourist attraction.
There are many historic sites in Tangyue. These include the "Temple of the Bao's Deceased Mother," also known as "Qingzi Temple" or "Female Temple", and the "Branch Temple of Bao's", commonly called "Male Temple". Both have been repaired, with perfect craftsmanship, to their original forms. Ancient-styled man-made scenery and status, as well as modern methods of sound, light and electricity, are also used to reproduce their original appearance. With images true to life, they provide scholars with the opportunity to study patriarchal systems and the history of merchants in Huizhou.
Nuci (Qingyi Hall)
Usually called "Nuci," the hall rarely serves as the "ancestral temple for women. " Built in the Qing Dynasty, it was the first of its kind. It is highly valued by those who research feudal ethical codes and patriarchal norms.
Nanci (Dunben Hall)
"Dunben Hall," usually called "Nanci" (the ancestral temple for men) was originally built in the Ming Dynasty. The complex has five rooms covering 750 square meters. Restored in 1962, it still contains all its original features. The interior hall houses important historical records of the flourishment of "Hui Shang" (businessman from Huizhou, today's Anhui province).
Ticket: 50 yuan (US$4)
Transportation: Take mini bus departing from Shexian County to Tunxi and get off at Zhengcun village, then turn on motor tricycle, and you will be arrived after 5 minutes driving. Or you can take a motor tricycle at Shexian county directly to there.
(china.org.cn March 31, 2003)
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