A
会馆 was a Ming - Qing dynasty institution: a building where merchants and officials from a specific region (province, county, or trade) could lodge, network, and worship local gods while away from home. Beijing's
湖广会馆 (Húguǎng Huìguǎn) and
安徽会馆 (Ānhuī Huìguǎn) are the best-preserved examples. Modern usage has broadened to mean any clubhouse-style association venue.
