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meter-tall magnolia tree, believed to have been planted by Qian himself, radiate tranquility.
Its first owner, Lin, a Ming Dynasty official, was an accomplished guqin (a traditional stringed musical instrument) player and author of “Lotus Elegance,” a significant historical work on the guqin.
In recognition of this legacy, the Shanghai Guqin Research Association and Suyuan Music Hall established a presence in the residence in 2014. The hall not only showcases various aspects of guqin culture but also serves as an educational base for intangible cultural heritage, enriching the historical ambiance of the residence with the melodious sounds of guqin music.
“By establishing the music hall here, we’re not only preserving but also promoting this ancient art form, aiming to introduce the rich heritage of Songjiang and Chinese guqin culture to the world,” said Dai Ruchen, director of Suyuan.
It has become a community hub, where people of all ages come to learn about and enjoy guqin music. Regular community events, such as guqin recitals, cultural talks and music festivals, are held, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural heritage.
The hall also collaborates with local schools to introduce young students to guqin music, embedding appreciation for this ancient art form in the next generation.
Zhang’s House: Preserving Ming Dynasty Elegance
Zhang’s Residence at 33 Jiangjing West Street, a historic treasure uncovered in 2008 during the third national survey of cultural relics, has experienced a long journey of preservation and transformation.
It featured a series of structures - a front hall, main hall, grand gate and residential building. Due to its antiquity, much of the building was in ruins, but the main hall and parts of the residential area retained their structural integrity and were carefully relocated to the south side of the nearby Shihe River.
The main hall is an exemplary representation of Ming Dynasty architecture. Its exterior walls and roof are well-preserved, featuring a unique “water wave” roof structure with several inscriptions made by the original craftsmen. The remaining stone column bases, though low and broken, add to the authenticity of the structure.
In 2021, the Guanlu Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop was established within Zhang’s Residence, breathing new life into the historic structure. The workshop hosts a variety of intangible heritage projects such as woodblock printing, embroidery, sugar painting and leather carving. Regular cultural experience and learning activities are organized for the public, fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional arts and crafts.
“The Zhang family, known for their philanthropy and artistic contributions 300 years ago, have now paved the way for us to popularize these art forms among the general public,” said Lu Yongqing, head of the Songjiang Printmaking Academy. “We’re not just reviving traditional arts; we’re creating a cultural landmark, a place where people can come to reconnect with Songjiang’s rich literary heritage and rekindle a sense of cultural identity.”
Today, Zhang’s Residence stands as a symbol of cultural resilience and rejuvenation. Its white-washed walls, interwoven with moss-filled cracks, and the newly installed red doors and windows blend historical authenticity with modern restoration. Inside, the