‘祠堂’ (cítáng) literally combines ‘祠’ (cí), meaning ‘shrine’ or ‘place for worshipping ancestors’, and ‘堂’ (táng), meaning ‘hall’ or ‘main room’. Together, it refers to a traditional Chinese ancestral hall — a dedicated building or space where families honor their deceased forebears through rituals, offerings, and genealogical record-keeping. These halls are typically found in rural villages or old family compounds, especially in southern China, and serve both religious and social functions, such as hosting clan meetings or weddings.

The word carries strong cultural weight, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety and lineage continuity. While modern urban families may no longer maintain physical ancestral halls, the concept remains central to traditional festivals like Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day). ‘祠堂’ is formal and respectful in register — it’s not used for casual or non-ancestral shrines (e.g., temples for deities use ‘庙’ miào).