One of the oldest existing street blocks in Wuxi, Xiaolou Lane was the residence for local dignitaries and prominent families. It's also known as the cradle of academic talents, including top scorers in the ancient imperial examination of all levels, and national academicians and famous college presidents in modern times.
The Qin Family Mansion is the best-preserved house in the area and the Qin Family descendants still live there today. The couplet pasted on the entrance to the house underlines the family motto of promoting benevolence and education.
The residence also houses the only surviving in-house alternate alley in Wuxi. Stretching about 100 meters, the passage connects all separate houses in the mansion, and serves as a fire escape. It's so narrow that two people can barely walk side by side. In the past, only manual laborers used it.
Today, Xiaolou Lane is surrounded by skyscrapers in downtown Wuxi. The striking contrast makes it a unique destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
