Mingzhe Hall in Longmen Ancient Town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Built by Sun Runyu (41st-generation descendant of Sun Quan, known as Fifth Aunt), Mingzhe Hall, also known as the "Five-Sided Hall," dates back to the Ming Dynasty and covers an area of 1,056 square meters. Its interior is spacious and grand, with a clear and simple beam-column structure, free of ornamentation. The beams, secured with T-shaped brackets instead of mortise-and-tenon joints, differ from comb-shaped beams, offering both strength and material efficiency. The rear hall features straight-edged windows characteristic of the Ming Dynasty. With three sections—the entrance hall, main hall, and rear hall—separated by two courtyards and surrounded by local residences, the complex, enclosed by a perimeter wall, forms an independent courtyard. It's a typical example of the "hall-courtyard combination" style of Longmen's ancient architecture. Mingzhe Hall has witnessed flourishing descendants and a lineage of talented individuals. The architectural style of Mingzhe Hall is unique, primarily employing a column-and-tie beam system supplemented by raised beams. Its rugged simplicity, devoid of decoration, showcases the typical Ming Dynasty style. The main hall displays a plaque inscribed with "Mingzhe Hall." Couplets adorn the front pillars: "Knowing the ebb and flow of life through poetry and books, understanding human nature with sophistication, distinguishing integrity from shame, loyalty from treachery, and having insight into worldly affairs." The middle pillars bear another set: "Reflecting on oneself to clarify aspirations, cultivating virtue through self-improvement, understanding others to govern wisely, benefiting the people and ensuring peace." These couplets not only cleverly incorporate the hall's name but also convey the Sun family's fundamental principles of conduct. It is a historical building in Fuyang District.