Qian Zhongshu's former residence is a major cultural heritage site in Jiangsu province. It is a haven for patriotism education in Wuxi and a national 2A scenic spot. Public visits to the the national 2A scenic spot are free and the residence is open from 9:00 to 16:30 throughout the week.
Qian Zhongshu, was a famous scholar and writer with international influence and was born in Wuxi on Nov 21, 1910. Qian devoted his life to literary creation and academic research and achieved much in the fields of Chinese and western culture on the strength of his profound knowledge, extraordinary wisdom and meticulous research.
The residence, located to the south of the Yangtze River, was built in 1923 and features a courtyard style typical to the region. It is one of the most important celebrity's residences in Wuxi. The main structure features two bungalows and covers a total area of 708 square meters, with 518 square meters of floor area.
The Wuxi government decided to restore the original residence to its original appearance in 2001 and by May the following year, the work was completed.
Qian's residence is far from luxurious and does not feature carved beams, painted rafters or glamorous gardens and exotic flowers. Instead, the residence is unassuming, yet it gives off a cultural luster of a literary family from regions south of the Yangtze River. It holds the memories of several generations of the Qian family. Visitors to the residence can experience the very environment that helped Qian Zhongshu became a well-known scholar.
The residence has become a part of Wuxi's cultural environment to the outside world. Its areas are connected by side rooms and corridors. The hall's open-space design not only creates pleasant views, it gives tourists a place to rest and relax.
Qian Zhongshu spent his boyhood at the residence. Qian’s grandfather's assiduity, coupled with his father's toughness on him, his naughty childhood and the residence's simplicity, left marks on his character. Qian Zhongshu made a name for himself, by himself. The fortune he left is shared by all. Qian was a giant in China's contemporary culture and is a proud cultural emblem among Wuxi residents. Qian set a good example for future generations with his teacher ethics, study style and moral standing.
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The front door of Qian Zhongshu’s former residence. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
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| The hallway of Qian Zhongshu’s former residence. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
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Shengwu Building in Qian Zhongshu’s former residence. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
