Qingguo Lane extends from Heping North Road in the east to the bustling Nan Street in Changzhou in the west, […]
Qingguo Lane extends from Heping North Road in the east to the bustling Nan Street in Changzhou in the west, with the city moat to its south, spanning approximately 1 kilometer in length.
The somewhat dilapidated old houses within the lane contrast sharply with the surrounding high-rise buildings. A few residents still live in these old houses, which, despite their unpolished appearance, retain a sense of local life.
Qingguo Lane was first established before the Ming Wanli year (1581 AD). At that time, the canal entered the city from the Wenheng Bridge, passed through the eastern and western Xiatang, and after crossing the city, it meandered eastward out of the Dongshui Pass.
Facing the urban canal section, Qingguo Lane was a hub for the gathering and distribution of fruits from the north and south, with various fruit shops lining the banks, earning it the old name of ‘Thousand Fruits Lane’.
Inside Qingguo Lane, there is the Bagui Hall, located at No. 82 Qingguo Lane, which was built by Tang Jingchuan, a famous figure from Changzhou, after he became the top scholar in the imperial examinations. To commemorate ‘plucking the osmanthus in the moon palace’, he planted eight osmanthus trees in his residence, hence the name ‘Baguai Hall’.
Qingguo Lane has been home to many notable figures, including Qing Dynasty industrialist Zhuang Kai, top scholar and painter Qian Weicheng, his brother Qian Weiqiao, and Zhang Zanchen, the head of Qingpingxiang Coal Mine and Hanyang Ironworks.
Walking and observing in the lane, one can discover the former residences of these famous individuals.
Opening hours: Open all year round, 24 hours a day.
Must-see tips:
1. It is close to Biji Alley, Nan Street Commercial and Leisure Tourism Area, and the Ancient Grand Canal, which can be visited together.
2. The TV drama ‘Qingguo Lane’ revolves around the protection of the lane, and those interested may wish to watch it.
