Zhang Guying Village Main Gate in Yueyang, Hunan

The main gate was built in the 21st year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1593 AD) by the eighth-generation ancestor Si Nan. The ancient architectural complex of the main gate is located on the Longxing hilltop, covering an area of 9,200 square meters, with 422 rooms and 24 courtyards. The shape of the main gate resembles an open fan, and the houses are arranged in a dry branch-style "Feng" character structure. The main gate is the core architectural group of Zhang Guying Village. It is named after the traditional "matching doors and windows" pattern formed by the stone drums (door pillars) symbolizing family status on both sides of the gate and the Taiji pattern on the lintel (door couplets). As the village's traffic hub, this architectural complex, though not the oldest relic in the village, serves as the main activity node due to its central location. The main structure follows a "five courtyards and five halls" layout, with five courtyards and five successive halls. At the end of the main hall stands a statue of Zhang Guying, serving as the ancestral worship site during festivals. Branch halls extend from both sides of the main hall, forming a dense cluster of connected buildings. The entire village is linked by 60 alleys totaling 1,459 meters in length, providing shade and shelter from rain. Residential spaces are arranged according to seniority, with elders living around the main hall and branch halls occupied by various family branches. The interior furnishings largely retain traditional styles. It is a nationally protected key cultural relic.