Former Residence of Zhu Dongrun

Former Residence of Zhu Dongrun

The former residence of Zhu Dongrun is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Jiangsu Province.

The former residence of Mr. Zhu Dongrun was purchased in 1937 through the hard work and frugality of Mr. Zhu and his wife, Zou Lianfang. It is located at the eastern end of Dongju Lane, south of Taixing City, covering an area of 943 square meters. The property consists of two courtyards, side rooms to the west, and features blue bricks and black tiles in an old-world charm. Nestled between two city rivers, it exudes a rich cultural aura.

With deep love for his hometown, in 1982, Mr. Zhu donated all 24 rooms of the property and over 4,000 volumes of his personal library to the local government, advocating for the establishment of a library to promote culture and education, benefiting his community.

On February 10, 1988, Mr. Zhu Dongrun passed away in Shanghai at the age of 92.

In October of that year, the People's Government of Taixing County officially named the site the “Former Residence of Zhu Dongrun,” brought back and placed his ashes there, and erected a stone in his memory.

In May 2003, the former residence of Zhu Dongrun was designated as a cultural heritage site protected at the municipal level in Taixing.

The People's Government of Taixing has carried out multiple renovations of Mr. Zhu’s former residence. In 2004, an additional 2 million yuan was allocated for repairs to the old house, and 1.2 acres of land were acquired to build an additional courtyard with eight rooms designed in a traditional style that complements the original structure. The renovated residence now features pavilions, corridors, a lotus pond, rockeries, blooming flowers and trees, and reflections of water and clouds, making it a beautiful landmark in Taixing.

To commemorate Mr. Zhu and inspire future generations, the Taixing Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government held grand memorial events in 2005 on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of his birth, including the “National Invitation Exhibition of Calligraphy by 100 Artists for the 110th Anniversary of Mr. Zhu Dongrun’s Birth.” The former residence was reopened to the public, with the front and rear courtyards displaying items used by Mr. Zhu during his lifetime, and ten side rooms dedicated to exhibits on his life and achievements. His disciple, the renowned “Redology” scholar and master of Sinology Feng Qiyong, inscribed the phrase “The demeanor of the master, lofty as mountains and enduring as rivers” to mark the occasion.

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Heritage Sites Protected at the Provincial Level in Jiangsu Province