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Located in the heart of Shedian Ancient Town in Sheqi County , Nanyang, the Shanxi and Shaanxi Guild Hall is a temple-guild hall complex jointly built by merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi to " worship the gods and connect with their hometowns. " The numerous couplets praising the economy and the inscriptions on the steles, which record the names of businesses and the amounts of silver they donated, are of great significance for studying the emergence of capitalism during the Qing Dynasty in China.
The entire building complex has a compact layout, staggered layout and gorgeous decoration. It is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture, but also of great value for studying the history of ancient Chinese architecture. It is also a precious material for studying the history of ancient Chinese commerce, economy, drama, canal culture, as well as calligraphy, painting and sculpture art.
The museum currently houses nineteen steles of various sizes, renovated over the years; thirty stone square eaves columns; forty-two intricate wooden lintels with relief and openwork carvings; twelve stone column bases of lions, elephants, and unicorns; and twelve stone paintings offigures . Over a hundred column bases are decorated with floral, animal, and bird carvings. The couplets and inscriptions on the wooden and stone pillars and plaques, in a blend of regular and cursive scripts, are particularly acclaimed by calligraphers.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
40 yuan/person
8:00-17:30
Shanxi and Shaanxi Guild Hall is a historical site representing the guilds of merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces who settled in Nanyang for trade. It reflects the economic and cultural exchanges of the past and showcases traditional Chinese guild architecture and heritage.
Located in downtown Nanyang, Henan. Visitors can reach the site by taxi, local bus, or on foot from nearby city landmarks.
Typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is spring or autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Entrance fees are modest and tickets can be purchased at the site. Some local tourism platforms may offer online booking options.
Advance booking is generally not required unless visiting in large groups or during holidays.
1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the main halls, courtyards, and exhibitions.
Guided tours are usually available in Chinese; audio guides may be limited.
Enter through the main gate, explore the central courtyard, visit the main hall, then proceed to the exhibition rooms, and finish with a walk through the side corridors and smaller courtyards.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special events or cultural performances may occasionally be held during festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded, while weekends and public holidays see more visitors.
Facilities include restrooms, small refreshment stalls, and souvenir shops near the entrance.
Mostly accessible for elderly and children; some areas may have steps that could be challenging for disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted for tickets and purchases.
Local restaurants and cafes are available in the vicinity, serving traditional Henan cuisine and light snacks.
Vegetarian options are generally available; vegan and halal options are limited and may require prior inquiry.
Several hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance in central Nanyang, providing convenient access for tourists.
Souvenir shops sell traditional handicrafts, postcards, miniature architectural models, and items related to Nanyang merchant culture.
Taxi, ride-hailing services, and local buses are convenient to continue travel to nearby attractions or return to the city center.
