Zhang Shi Ming’s Former Residence, also known as Yide Hall, is a grand mansion built by Zhang Junheng, the grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the four major wealthy families in Nanxun, Jiangnan. It is one of the few grand residences in Jiangnan that have largely maintained their historical appearance from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This classic compound of Chinese and Western architectural styles is acclaimed as the ‘Number One Private Residence in Jiangnan’.
The residence, built along the ancient Xun Stream, features a five-progress courtyard layout with 150 Chinese and Western-style rooms. Despite its grandeur, the exterior is unpretentious, with a plain white wall that opens into a square doorway, serving as the entrance. However, upon entering the hallway, one is greeted by a classical world filled with exquisite and delicate decorations. The design of the gatehouse, walls, partitions, pillars, frames, rafters, doors, and windows is ingenious and elegant in style. Thousands of stone, wood, and brick carvings depicting birds, animals, and floral patterns are vividly lifelike, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of late Qing Dynasty artisans. Imported French lattice windows, stained glass, and French tiles add an incomparable romantic European touch to the entire residence. The first progress serves as the front hall, with the inscription ‘Bamboo and Pine Flourish’ on the lintel, written by the famous calligrapher Wu Gan. The second progress is the main hall, with the hall plaque ‘Yide Hall’ commissioned by Zhang Shi Ming in honor of his mother, written by the Jiawu scholar Zhang Jian. The third progress is the inner hall, with stone carvings of banana leaves embedded in the corridor windows, lifelike and vivid. The fourth progress consists of a Western-style building and a Western-style ballroom, with most of the decorative materials and construction materials sourced from France, featuring colored porcelain paintings on the walls, exuding a strong Western style. The fifth progress is the backyard and stele corridor, housing 87 steles with the calligraphic works of famous Chinese calligraphers from Wang Xizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty to He Chao of the Qing Dynasty. A visit to the ancient residence typically takes 1-2 hours. Afterwards, one can stroll around the Nanxun ancient town at leisure. The residence is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00.Zhang Shi Ming’s Former Residence
Zhang Shi Ming’s Former Residence, also known as Yide Hall, is a grand mansion built by Zhang [...]
