Page 60 - JCAU-7-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Shan-Shaan Guild Hall on Great Tea Route

improved ventilation and daylight but also provided a high of Quality Education (SDG4) and Industry, Innovation,
degree of privacy through its enclosed layout. The use of and Infrastructure (SDG9) (Lucchi et al., 2024). Moreover,
locally sourced red stones at the corners of the buildings, a thorough understanding of the Xiguan historic district
along with intricate wood and brick carvings, demonstrates can strengthen local identity and encourage community
the advanced construction techniques and expertise of Jia participation in the preservation and utilization of
County craftsmen. architectural heritage. This approach supports the goals
The Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, constructed along the of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11) and
Great Tea Route, was pivotal in spreading Guandi culture Partnerships for the Goals (SDG17), fostering a sustainable
and promoting the exchange and fusion of theatrical future for Jia County and its cultural landmarks.
traditions. The integration of guild hall and temple 7. Conclusion
functions (guan-miao heyi; 馆庙合一) allowed these
spaces to serve both commercial and spiritual purposes. As a historical heritage of ancient transportation routes, a
The culture of “Guandi worship,” inherited and developed cultural route reflects the communication and exchange
by the Shanxi-Shaanxi Association of Jia County, provided between cross-regional and cross-ethnic groups. This
significant spiritual support to Shanxi-Shaanxi merchants. article explores the relationship between the Shanxi-
This practice elevated the cultural importance of the guild Shaanxi Guild Hall and the Great Tea Route, enriching
hall, combining moral teachings from Confucianism, the cultural connotation of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild
Daoism, and Buddhism, to foster local acceptance of Hall through documentary research, fieldwork, and oral
commercial activities. Moreover, the Shanxi-Shaanxi histories that corroborate one another.
merchants’ passion for opera transformed the guild hall’s Regarding the relationship between the Shanxi-Shaanxi
theater into an important cultural hub, supporting the Guild Hall and the Great Tea Route, the latter elevated Jia
spread and localization of Bangzi Opera. County from a transport hub to a thriving commercial
The Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall also profoundly town along the route. The Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall
influenced the daily lives and habits of Jia County evolved from a folk-led enclave to an official post, reflecting
residents. The Guandi Temple made the guild hall a focal the economic and social exchanges fostered by the Great
point of religious festivals, while its theater became a Tea Route. Analyzing the spatial characteristics of the
cornerstone of community entertainment. The tea culture Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Halls in the context of the Great Tea
that accompanied the Great Tea Route contributed to the Route reveals the route’s influence on Jia County through
proliferation of teahouses in Jia County , where residents the transport, processing, and trade of tea, as well as the
18
gathered for tea drinking, card playing, storytelling, and provision of essential facilities for caravans, ensuring their
opera performances. Making a pot of hot tea to relax after livelihoods and spiritual sustenance.
a long day became an enduring local tradition (Jia County Further examination of the intangible heritage
Government, 2019). associated with the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall highlights
Promoting cultural routes as a sustainable way to their role beyond commerce. Alongside their economic
explore the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall and the Xiguan function, the guild hall fostered a rich cultural tapestry,
historical district can support sustainable development including a diverse religious tradition and a vibrant
by harmonizing tourism activities with the conservation culinary culture. These influences are deeply imprinted in
of tangible heritages, cultural traditions, and social well- the spatial layout of Jia County and continue to shape the
being. An in-depth exploration of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild daily lives of its residents.
Hall’s cultural connotation can enhance understanding and A micro-level analysis of cultural routes not only
accessibility for local communities and tourists through complements the spatial narrative of the Great Tea
educational activities, awareness campaigns, and events, Route but also provides diverse perspectives on the
both online and offline. These efforts align with the goals
preservation of architectural heritage and the historic
towns where it resides. However, the deteriorated state
18 According to semi-structure interviews, during the heyday of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall and the loss of the
of the Qing dynasty, Jia county had nearly 100 teahouses of historical identity of Xiguan Street suggest that their
various sizes. These teahouses were primarily concentrated
in the townships of Xiguan (西关), Zhongtou (冢头), cultural significance has not been adequately addressed
Yaozhuang (姚庄), Tangjie (堂街), Li Kou (李口), and in current conservation planning efforts. To address these
others. Today, Jia county is home to hundreds of teahouses, challenges, future conservation planning for the Shanxi-
and the traditions of tasting and discussing tea remains a Shaanxi Guild Hall and the Xiguan district should focus
cherished practice among its people. on several key areas. First, an in-depth elaboration of

Volume 7 Issue 2 (2025) 13 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4582