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The Pucheng County Wang Ding Memorial Hall, located at No. 54, Daren Lane, Chengguan Town, Pucheng County, Shaanxi Province, opened to the public on June 26, 1997. It is affiliated with the Pucheng County Cultural Relics Bureau. The memorial, built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, is the birthplace of Wang Ding and exemplifies the typical Guanzhong residential architecture. Originally a four-story building with three halls, three side rooms, and a rear building, only one hall, one side room, and three courtyards remain after donations. In 1997, the Pucheng County People's Government designated it a county-level key cultural relic protection site.
Wang Ding, courtesy name Dingjiu and pseudonym Shengkuang, was born in 1768, the 33rd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, and died late at night on the last day of the fourth month of the 22nd year of the Daoguang reign (June 8, 1842), at the age of 75. Wang Ding's childhood was characterized by poverty, often limited to food and clothing. Despite his steadfast dedication to study, he ultimately achieved the third place in the second class of the imperial examination in the first year of the Jiaqing reign. He served in various positions, including Hanlin Academy Scholar, Editor, Imperial Lecturer, Imperial Reader, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of Justice, Minister of Revenue, Governor of Henan, Governor-General of Zhili, Grand Councilor, and Grand Secretary of the Imperial Academy. He was instrumental in reforming river and salt administration, and redressing wrongful convictions, achieving considerable political success.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate offers four distinct seasons and abundant sunshine, making spring, summer, and autumn ideal for travel.
Visit the Wang Ding Memorial Hall. On either side of the entrance hall are couplets penned by Yuan Shiqing, a national representative of the "Five Good Families." They read: "Blood is thicker than water; Emperor Daoguang lost the king's land and sovereignty in his incompetence, a lament that will be recorded in history as Wen's death. Leaves are tied to the roots; the prosperity of the Republic avenges national humiliation; the garden is missing its mirror; Hong Kong's return serves as a warning to the loyal soul." A horizontal plaque with gold lettering on a black background, "Wang Ding Memorial Hall," inscribed by Cheng Andong, the governor of Shaanxi Province, hangs on the lintel of the second entrance hall. On either side of the entrance are couplets written by He Zhongxiu, a renowned calligrapher in the county: "If you cannot maintain your integrity in death, do not visit the king; if you cannot maintain your loyalty in life, do not serve the king."
As you enter the gate of the Wang Ding Memorial Hall, you will see a 3.6-meter-high standing bust of Wang Ding in the middle. The statue is bronze in color and was sculpted by Wang Tianren, a national-level artist and director of the Shaanxi Sculpture Institute. The statue has a lifelike expression and a majestic image.
On either side of the center are exhibits depicting Wang Ding's life and deeds, while on the other side are a visitor lounge and souvenir shop. The upper room displays Wang Ding's family tree, his remaining letters, his personal belongings, and a plaque inscribed with the inscription "Jing Gong Du Hu" written by Emperor Daoguang for his 70th birthday; a wooden plaque inscribed with the inscription "Xian Xiao Ke Feng" written by Wang Ding for his aunt, Mrs. Wu; and plaques inscribed by Lin Zexu during his time in Pucheng, including the inscriptions "Cha Xiang Di," "Wei Lan Shu Wu," "Huai Yin Shan Fang," and "Ci Hui Hui Yin."
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
free
Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:00
Closed on Mondays and open on holidays
The Wang Ding Memorial Hall is dedicated to Wang Ding, a renowned military general during the Tang Dynasty, celebrated for his victories and strategic expertise. It serves as a monument to his legacy and contribution to Chinese military history.
The Wang Ding Memorial Hall is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. It is accessible by taxi or private car from the nearby city of Huayin. Public transportation options, such as buses, may also be available from the city center.
The memorial hall is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays and early mornings to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is typically around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the site, and in some cases, they may be available online for advanced bookings.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended to book online a day or two in advance during peak tourist seasons.
To fully explore the memorial hall and surrounding grounds, plan for about 1 to 2 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin.
Great photography spots include the main hall with its traditional architecture, the garden views with surrounding mountains, and the scenic pathways around the memorial hall.
Start by exploring the main hall and the exhibits about Wang Ding. Then take a stroll through the gardens and courtyards, and finish with a relaxing walk around the memorial site.
Currently, there are no special light shows or night visits available. However, special tours may be available during festivals or holidays, so it's best to check in advance.
The memorial hall can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The best time to visit is on weekdays, especially in the morning before noon.
There are basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs. Food and water are available for purchase in or around the hall.
The attraction is mostly accessible, but some areas may involve stairs or uneven paths that could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is advisable to check accessibility options before your visit.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in the area. Credit card payments may not always be accepted at small shops.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available at some local restaurants near the site, especially those catering to local or Muslim visitors.
There are souvenir shops near the memorial hall selling items such as postcards, traditional Chinese crafts, and small memorabilia related to Wang Ding and Shaanxi history.
