The Du Family Carved Flower Building

The Du Family Carved Flower Building

Located at No. 266, Zhongshan West Road, the Du Family Carved Flower Building was the residence of the local gentry Du Lingmei. According to descendants of the Du family, the building was constructed during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty. In 1998, it was listed as a cultural heritage site under the protection of Songjiang District. This four-bay, three-courtyard-style structure holds great artistic and research value for both its architectural style and carving craftsmanship, making it a unique masterpiece of ancient architectural carving in the Songjiang area.

It features a post-and-lintel structural system, forming a relatively complete mid-sized traditional Qing-style residential courtyard. The third bay is the main building of the complex — the “Carved Flower Building,” which was constructed by the Du family as a new home for their daughter’s wedding. Its structure consists of brick walls with stone pillars, a post-and-lintel wooden frame, mortise-and-tenon joints, and round wooden columns for load-bearing. The roof is of the flush-gable style with horsehead-shaped parapets, small blue tiles, and white-washed walls, presenting an elegant and understated color scheme — a typical example of an ancient folk residence in the Jiangnan water town region. Its uniqueness lies in its exquisite carving art. The hall is adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, and the lattice windows and partitioned panels are inlaid with imported glass and mother-of-pearl. Decorative elements such as railings, hanging lattices, spandrels, and bracket sets are all intricately carved with patterns of flowers, cloud motifs, figures, and birds and beasts. These detailed wood carvings, including bas-reliefs and through-carvings, hold significant cultural and artistic value. The upper floor includes a covered corridor (zaoma lou). Between the third and fourth bays, besides the central courtyard and side rooms, there is also a connecting passageway. The ceiling is made of glass, and the fourth bay has a back door leading directly to the fields behind the house, adding a refined touch.

The artisans who built the Carved Flower Building, especially several master carvers, used concise and skillful techniques to carve lifelike images of figures, landscapes, plants, and buildings. On the beams and rafters, civil officials appear humble, military officers exude authority, old men look graceful, and maids are delicately beautiful. The carvings depict a variety of flowers, layered mountains and waters, lush trees, and deep, well-composed backgrounds. Notably, a pair of carved dragons fighting over a pearl are exceptionally vivid, creating an immersive experience and standing as a true masterpiece of ancient architectural art.

Transportation Options

Address: No. 266, Zhongshan West Road, Songjiang Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai (near Yushu Road and Dacang Bridge)

Transport Guide: Take the Songhuan Line 1 and get off at Dacang Bridge Station, then walk east along Zhongshan West Road; take the Songmei Special Line (Songjiang–Southwest Bus Station, Meilong) or the Hushi Special Line, etc., to reach Songjiang Ledu Bus Station, then transfer to Songjiang Line 2; alternatively, take Songjiang Line 2 from the East Bus Station to Dacang Bridge; also, the Songkun Special Line, Songbian Line, Songlian Special Line, Songta Line, and Songs Line all pass by Zhongshan West Road at Yushu Road.

Self-driving Route: Inner Ring Elevated Road – Hu’min Elevated Road – Xinzhuang Interchange – G60 Shanghai–Kunming Expressway – Songjiang Exit – Rongle Middle Road – Rongle West Road – Xilin North Road – Zhongshan Middle Road – Zhongshan West Road – Carved Flower Building.