Comparative study on the structural carpentry characteristics of Tingtang Hall with flat-worked moon-shaped crescent beams at Hengxiangli No.9, Xin’gan, Jiangxi, China

Abstract

This study examines the architectural and historical value of the Tingtang hall at Hengxiangli No.9 in Xin’gan County, Jiangxi Province, China, a Ming Dynasty-era structure featuring rare crescent beams that exemplify southern Chinese vernacular carpentry traditions. Through comparative analysis with contemporaneous Jiangxi halls, Baoshan Temple’s stone halls, and the Song Dynasty architectural treatise Yingzao Fashi, we reveal previously undocumented technical continuities between early Ming folk construction and Song imperial standards, particularly in beam proportions and structural configurations. The hall’s spatial organization further demonstrates distinct regional adaptations absent in northern Chinese counterparts. These findings not only bridge historiographical gaps in understanding how imperial techniques permeated rural architectural practices but also provide actionable criteria for heritage conservation, including restoration benchmarks for southern timber structures, dating frameworks for undocumented historical buildings, and strategies to balance preservation with community needs. This work establishes a foundation for safeguarding Jiangxi’s architectural heritage while informing sustainable adaptive reuse policies.