The former residence of Chen Gelao is located on Prime Minister’s Residence Custom Street. The owner, Chen Yuanlong, held a high position and great power. As a Grand Secretary of Wenyuan Pavilion in the Yongzheng Dynasty, he was known as the prime minister. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the prime minister was also called Gelao. Therefore, his former residence is commonly known as ‘Former Residence of Chen Gelao’ by the people.
The gate of the former residence faces north and is adjacent to the river. It has a solemn atmosphere. However, the buildings seen after entering the gate are all inverted to face south. The first entrance on the east road is the ancestral hall for the Chen family to offer sacrifices.
In front of the sleeping quarters, there is a high wall like a screen. Nowadays, the wall has collapsed and not been restored. Three small halls can be seen. In the yard, there is an ancient ginkgo tree that is more than 600 years old. It is tall, thick, and evergreen all year round.
There are also ‘Three Treasures of the Chen Family’ in the residence, namely the stele inscriptions of the Chen family’s calligraphy rubbings in the Ming Dynasty that are renowned in the calligraphy field, the original plaque of ‘Diligent in Work and Instructive’ bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng with nine dragons, and the ancient podocarpus that remains youthful. People are reluctant to leave.
There are also historical facts of Emperor Qianlong’s six southern tours and his staying in Haining four times, as well as folk legends about the mystery of Qianlong’s life experience.The scenic area is open from 8:00 to 16:30 every day of the year. However, it is currently undergoing maintenance, and as a result, tourists are not permitted to enter. Please note that the business status may vary depending on the day’s opening conditions.
