Qingguo Lane

Qingguo Lane

• The old houses and former residences of notable figures in the lane exude a strong sense of history, making them great for photos.

Introduction to the Attraction

Qingguo Lane extends from Heping North Road in the east to Nanda Street—the busiest road in Changzhou—in the west, with the city moat to the south, spanning approximately 1 kilometer. The slightly dilapidated old houses in the lane contrast sharply with the surrounding high-rises. A few residents still live sporadically in these old houses. It may lack a glamorous appearance, but it retains a touch of local life.

Qingguo Lane was first built before the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1581 AD), when the canal entered the West Water Gate via Wenheng Bridge, passed through the East and West Xiatang areas, went through the city, and exited the East Water Gate before winding eastward. Facing the urban section of the canal, Qingguo Lane was a hub where ships gathered, serving as a distribution center for fruits from the north and south. Various fruit shops lined the banks, and it was formerly known as “Thousand Fruits Lane.”

The most famous site in Qingguo Lane is Bagui Hall, located at No. 82 Qingguo Lane. It was built after Tang Jingchuan, a notable figure from Changzhou, ranked first in the metropolitan examination. To commemorate “plucking the laurel in the moon palace,” he planted eight osmanthus trees in his residence, hence the name “Bagui Hall” (Hall of Eight Osmanthus Trees).

Qingguo Lane has been home to many notable figures. During the Qing Dynasty, industrialist Zhuang Kai, top imperial scholar and painter Qian Weicheng and his brother Qian Weiqiao, Zhang Zanchen—who was in charge of the Pingxiang Coal Mine and Hanyang Iron Works—along with modern revolutionaries Qu Qiubai and Zhang Tailei, scholar Zhao Yuanren, and post-liberation patriotic industrialist and collector Liu Guojun all once lived here. A stroll through the lane will reveal the former residences of these figures.

Special Tips

1. It is close to the Qu Qiubai Memorial Hall, Biji Lane, Nanda Street Commercial and Leisure Tourism Area, and the Ancient Canal, which you can visit together.

2. The TV drama “Qingguo Lane” revolves around the demolition and preservation of the lane. If you’re interested, you might want to check it out.

Address: Qingguo Lane, Tianning District, Changzhou City

Type: Featured Neighborhood

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1–2 hours

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.