Zesiju, also known as the ‘Prime Minister’s Mansion’, was constructed in the early years of the Qing Dynasty and underwent restoration in 2002. The original owner’s high-ranking official position is reflected in the name. As one approaches Zesiju, the four-sided eaves and towering horse-head walls are immediately noticeable, signifying the building’s grandeur.
The entire structure is impressive, with spacious halls and courtyards, and tall, straight corridor pillars. The intricacy of the carvings is a hallmark of Zesiju, earning it the title of ‘first carved building in Jiangnan’. There is not a single beam without carvings, and each carving is exquisitely detailed.
Upon entering, the allusion of ‘Four Immortals Welcoming Guests’ is engraved on the main beam, showcasing the owner’s hospitality. At the east end of the main hall, five cranes are engraved on the beam, indicating that the original owner was a civil official and not a military one, as well as his aspiration for ‘Five Peaks Facing Heaven’. The ‘Hundreds of Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’ engraving on the west end beam suggests that this was no ordinary official family, as such patterns were not freely carved by commoners.
The business hours and operating status of Zesiju are subject to the day’s opening conditions, and may vary accordingly.
