The old foreign-style house located at Lane 87, East Kangding Road, dates back to the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. It now serves as the Shimen No. 2 Road Community Cultural Center. Zhang Ailing, born in 1921, spent over a decade in this historic residence, which played a significant role in her life, particularly during her creative peak between the ages of 23 and 25.
The first floor of the current cultural center functions as a hall, while the second floor is dedicated to the Wuding Storytelling Arena. Soft storytelling sessions are held here punctually every day. The third floor hosts a variety of community classrooms. The basement is the only part of the building that still preserves Zhang Ailing’s original space, where various books, including her own works, are temporarily stored.
From the large living room, one can access Zhang Ailing’s Bookstore. This bookstore showcases both Chinese and English books, as well as film and television works related to Zhang Ailing. In her memoir “Whispers,” she narrates her life in this grand house in detail, including the dark room where she was confined and the memories of riding bicycles on the balcony with her younger brother. The novel “Love in a Fallen City” features a dark living room in the Bai Mansion, which is inspired by the actual living room here that never sees sunlight throughout the day. Scholars have also found that the plot of sisters marrying the same husband in “Half a Lifelong Romance” is rooted in a story from a neighbor in this very lane.
The cultural center is open all year round, with operating hours from 08:30 to 20:30. However, the specific business status may vary depending on the day’s opening situation.
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