Yantai Mountain, Combination of “Fujian and Zhejiang”, Yu Dafu’s Favorite Place

The ancients often said: “Rely on the mountains to eat what from mountains, and the sea to eat what from the sea.” Back-surrounded by mountains and facing the sea, Fuzhou’s economy and trade reached its peak in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, attracting many foreign businessmen. In order to gain a foothold in Fuzhou, business groups all over the country have built guild halls. There are more than a dozen in Yantai Mountain alone, and the most prestigious is Anlan Guild Hall.

Anlan Guild Hall, located on Cangqian Road, Cangqian Street, was built in the 40th year of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1775). It was a very typical Chinese-style building with the wisdom of skilled craftsmen from all over the country.

The original embossed dragon and phoenix stone pillars in the front eaves of the main hall of Anlan Hall have been moved to Shanyuhuang Pavilion; the second entrance is a double-layer wooden structure, with double-layer wing rooms on both sides, which are magnificent and splendid. The good news is that Anlan Hall has been preserved intact.

Besides, Anlan Hall is a typical “Fujian-Zhejiang combination”.

The guild hall is named after “An Lan”, which is a beautiful wish of the merchants in Fujian and Zhejiang for peace and no waves, safe trip, and prosperous business.