Keeping the incense burning : investigating the interpretation of the Shan-Shaan Association Hall in Jia county, Henan province, China

Abstract

Jia County is one of the ancient cities of China and has always had a prosperous economy with numerous merchants and traders. The merchants who are good at business from Shanxi and Shaanxi have seen the geographical advantages of Jia County so donated funds to build its Shan-Shaan Association Hall in 1693. As a trading post for negotiating business, sacrificing to the gods, welcoming and entertaining guests and contacting Shan-Shaanxi businessmen and strengthen the exchange of economic and trade information. The Jia County Shan-Shaan Association Hall is now included in the Seventh Batch of National Heritage Conservation Lists. As an important architectural heritage on the cultural route of the "The Tea Road", the local government has started to plan for its preservation as a public space in the future. However, much of the historical information on the association has not been documented. This dissertation will find out the missing history of this heritage especially since the founding of the People’s Republic of China to create interpretation recommendations for better tourism planning. Through research, surveys and interviews, tangible and intangible values are determined as well as produce interpretation recommendations that is more compatible with the spirit of heritage conservation. It is hoped that the research will enhance d inspirational sense of connection between the Jia County Shan-Shaan Association Hall and the public and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Association Hall for future generations.