This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
Luban Hall is located on Zizhi Street in Xiangtan City. It was built in the early Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty by local masons and carpenters as a guild hall. It was burned down in the 1st year of the Republic of China (1912) and rebuilt 3 years later. The hall is entirely of wooden structure, with two stories above and below, and a broad temple hall. The front of the gatehouse is a splayed wall, and above the door lintel is a clay relief sculpture titled "True Panorama of the Whole City of Xiangtan."
The scene consists of three parts. The right picture, 4 meters long and 0.6 meters wide, depicts the scenery from Wenchang Pavilion to the Small East Gate; the middle picture, 5.2 meters long and 2.6 meters wide, shows the various streets, alleys, and wharves from the county town to Yaowan; the left picture is the same size as the right one, showing a panoramic view of Yangmei Islet, with Huanglong Mountain and Xianfeng Ridge in the background; in the foreground are the Xiang River, flying boats, densely packed houses in the market streets, and swaying willows by Yuhu Lake. The work is delicate and lifelike. It is a treasure of Xiangtan clay sculpture art. In the Republican period, a school for the children of clay and wood workers was once opened here. During repairs in the 25th year of the Republic (1936), a wooden plaque inscribed with "Invincible Under Heaven" was hung above the main hall's door lintel. It was severely damaged during the "Cultural Revolution." It has now been restored and designated as a Xiangtan City cultural relic protection unit.
