Former Residence of Shen Yinmo

Former Residence of Shen Yinmo

The former residence of Shen Yinmo is a protected cultural heritage site of Shanghai Municipality.

The former residence of Shen Yinmo is located at No. 504 Hailun Road, on the west side of Siping Road. It stands on Hailun Road Dongyang Street, north of Zhexing Li. At that time, the Japanese built 33 typical two-bay pseudo-three-story brick-and-wood Japanese-style buildings along this street, with 8 on the south side and 25 on the north side, covering the area from Dishiwei Road in the east to Xingjiaqiao North Road in the west. These buildings were divided by bamboo fences, with small gates at both ends for access. Entry was prohibited for Chinese people. It was commonly referred to as "Dongyang Street." In 1953, the street was widened and the fences were removed, making it the western section of present-day Hailun Road. The exterior of the buildings remains largely unchanged and they now serve as residential homes. Shen Yinmo’s former residence is situated in one of these three-story buildings facing south.

Shen Yinmo, originally named Junmo, was a native of Wuxing, Zhejiang. He studied in Japan in his early years and later served as a professor and president at Peking University, as well as a professor at Fu Jen Catholic University. After 1949, he held positions such as Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History, member of the Shanghai Municipal People's Committee, and a deputy to the Third National People's Congress. Shen Yinmo was renowned for his calligraphy. In the early Republican era, the calligraphy circle dubbed him “Shen of the South, Yu (Yu Youren) of the North.” In the 1940s, there was a saying in the calligraphy world: “Shen of the South, Wu (Wu Yuru) of the North.” The famous literary figure Mr. Xu Pingyu commented that Shen’s calligraphic artistry “surpassed the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and stood proudly among the Four Masters of the Song Dynasty without peer.” The late Professor Xie Zhiliu, former head of the National Cultural Relics Appraisal Group, stated: “Over the centuries, countless calligraphers have emerged, but none surpassed him.” The late Professor Lin Yin from Taipei Normal University and director of the Chinese Literature Research Institute praised Shen’s calligraphy as being “second only to Mi Fu.” Shen Yinmo’s theoretical works include "On Calligraphy," "Calligraphy--," and "A Glimpse into the Calligraphic Methods of the Two Wangs."

The interior layout: The former reception room and dining room on the first floor have been converted into exhibition rooms. The second-floor study and bedroom remain in their original state, while the third floor still serves as a storage room. The first-floor exhibition hall is laid out in a horizontal “8” shape. Inside the hall stands a white fiberglass bust of Shen Yinmo, inscribed with the running script dedication “A Generation—” by Li Liqun. The exhibition hall consists of six large panels, covering six sections: Early Comrade of the Party; Pioneer of May Fourth Culture; Master of the Calligraphy World; Admired by Leaders for His Own Calligraphy; Deep Bond at the Inkstone with His Spouse; Lifelong Mastery of Calligraphy. The exhibits include photos of Shen Yinmo interacting with figures such as Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu, Lu Xun, Yu Youren, and Guo Moruo; large working photos of Shen intently holding his brush; long-term calligraphic copies of famous steles and scripts by Shen; printed versions of Shen’s calligraphy, manuscripts, and treatises from various regions; display cases featuring Mao Zedong’s December 26, 1950, appointment decree naming Shen as a member of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the original appointment letter signed by Premier Zhou appointing Shen as Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History, as well as precious items used by Shen during his lifetime such as a complete set of the Four Treasures of the Study and seals.

Designated as a district-level cultural heritage site in 1988, it was elevated to a municipal-level protected site in 2014.

Address: No. 504 Hailun Road, Hongkou District

Transportation: Hailun Road Station – Metro Lines 4/10; Buses 14, 55, 61, 100, 576, 123, 147, 307 to Siping Road Lijiang Road

Phone: 56664414

Opening Hours: Every Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Shen Yinmo (1883–1971), originally named Junmo, was a native of Huzhou, Zhejiang. Born in 1883 in Han Yin Ting, Xing’an Prefecture, Shaanxi (now Chengguan Town, Han Yin County, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, on Minzhu Street). He studied in Japan in his early years and later served as a professor and president at Peking University, as well as a professor at Fu Jen Catholic University. After 1949, he held positions such as Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History, member of the Shanghai Municipal People's Committee, and a deputy to the Third National People's Congress.

Shen Yinmo was renowned for his calligraphy. In the early Republican era, the calligraphy circle dubbed him “Shen of the South, Yu (Yu Youren) of the North.” In the 1940s, there was a saying in the calligraphy world: “Shen of the South, Wu… Shen Yinmo Detailed Information++