Ancient site witnesses prosperity of Liaocheng Canal

The former site of an ancient salt transportation department office in Haihuisi village in Acheng town – located in Yanggu county, in Liaocheng city in East China's Shandong province – is the only one of its kind along the Liaocheng Canal.

The front view of the former site of an ancient salt transportation department office in Haihuisi village. [Photo by Kong Lingnan for chinadaily.com.cn]

It was included as a national key cultural relics protection unit by the State Council in May 2006. 

Covering an area of 2,623 square meters, the site is located on the west of Haihui Temple, with two separate courtyards. Existing buildings include the front gate, front hall, back hall and side halls.

The Acheng salt transportation department office was first built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

During the reign of the Emperor Qianlong (1711-99) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was repaired and expanded with the support of Shanxi salt merchants in Acheng.

It was also known as the Shanxi Guild Hall, or the Southern Guild Hall, being the office of both the Guild Hall and the salt transportation department.

As an important part of the World Cultural Heritage - Grand Canal, the site integrates the essence of architecture, sculpture, calligraphy and oil painting, with a high historical and artistic value.

It is also a witness to the prosperity of the Liaocheng Canal in the Ming and Qing dynasties. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)