Introduction to the merit pillar: The merit pillar is a unique cultural and spiritual product of the Hakka people, as well as a product of the imperial examination system. Only those who participated in the imperial examination and obtained the title of Gongsheng or above could achieve meritorious status. The Hakka people advocate fame and morality and pay attention to inspiring future generations. Whenever someone in the family obtains a meritorious honor or above, a merit pillar is erected in front of the family ancestral hall or family temple. One is to glorify the family, the other is to commend the recipient of the merit, and the third is to inspire future generations. On the gate of the Hu Family Temple in Zhongchuan, there is a rather spectacular group of merit pillars. According to Hu's genealogy records, there were thirty-six merit pillars on the gate of the family temple, including fifteen stone merit pillars and twenty-one wooden merit pillars. After the vicissitudes of history, two merit pillars collapsed due to earthquakes, and all 21 wooden merit pillars were destroyed, leaving only the original guard stones. Even so, the group of merit pillars in front of the Hu family temple are still majestic and magnificent. The group of merit pillars is a symbol of outstanding people in Zhongchuan Village and a symbol of a veritable "civilian and military family".