Former Residence of Guan Ganzhen

Former Residence of Guan Ganzhen

The Former Residence of Guan Ganzhen is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

Former Residence of Guan Ganzhen

The Former Residence of Guan Ganzhen is located at No. 27 Qianbeian (Yanling West Road). Guan Ganzhen (1734–1798) was a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations in the 31st year of the Qianlong reign (1766) during the Qing Dynasty and rose to the position of Grand Canal Transport Commissioner. He was skilled in painting, especially in flowers, birds, and landscapes, inheriting the true essence of Yun Shouping’s style. The residence preserves three rows of flush-gable-roofed buildings. The second row features a nanmu hall that is three bays wide, 13.8 meters in width, and eight rafters deep, 9.8 meters in depth. It is a post-and-lintel wooden structure building with large-sized nanmu beams and pillars, and the bases of the pillars are made of dark hardwood—a rarity in the city. The third row is a rear hall with five bays and six rafters in depth, featuring a front porch and rear pavilion. The hall is separated from the front by a wall, forming an independent courtyard. At the center is a water-milled brick gate tower, with carved floral hanging pillars on both sides of the lintel and a pair of pillow stones under the gate posts, exhibiting the style of the Ming Dynasty. This residence was originally the dwelling place of Guan Shaoning, Guan Ganzhen’s ancestor, who achieved the title of Tanhua (the third-place scholar) in the imperial examination during the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty and served as Vice Minister of Rites. The fourth row is a two-story building with five bays on each floor, known as the “Du Xue Shan Fang” (Mountain Study for Reading) of the Guan family, where Guan Ganzhen studied and painted. In December 1987, it was listed as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

Guan Ganzhen (1734–1798)

Styled Fuyang, also known as Songya. A native of Yanghu, he was born in the 12th year of the Yongzheng reign (1734) during the Qing Dynasty. He became a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations in the 31st year of the Qianlong reign (1766), was appointed as a bachelor, and later served as an editor. He held various official positions including Censor of Guizhou Circuit, Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and Vice Minister of Works. Starting from the 54th year of the Qianlong reign, he served as the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner. He was known for his integrity and clean governance, with no corruption or misconduct; his character was solemn, upright, and selfless. As a censor, he impeached senior officials without fear. As the Canal Transport Commissioner, he was capable and fair—so much so that Emperor Qianlong praised him as competent; he was compassionate toward laborers and loved the people, earning praise for his kindness from all levels. In the first year of the Jiaqing reign… More details about Guan Ganzhen++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangsu Province