Hometown of Zhang Zhupo

Hometown of Zhang Zhupo

The Hometown of Zhang Zhupo is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Hometown of Zhang Zhupo was built on the gentle slope west of Hanwang Bajian Spring and east of Zijin Mountain. Nestled against the mountain and by the water, it covers an area of five mu with a construction area of 1,200 square meters. It includes the Gaoge Thatched Cottage, the Research History Museum of “-”, the Zhupo Academy, a memorial archway, as well as structures such as the Ximen Mansion and Back Garden, recreated based on scenes from the book “-” that he commented on. The Hometown of Zhang Zhupo features the architectural style of Huizhou, with pavilions, corridors, and winding bamboo paths that evoke the charm of classical gardens in southern China. The original Gaoge Thatched Cottage was located on the southern slope of Hubushan in Xuzhou, serving as Zhang Zhupo’s former residence.

Zhang Zhupo (1670–1698), whose given name was Daoshen, courtesy name Zide, and art name Zhupo, was a renowned literary critic of the Qing Dynasty. As a child, Zhang Zhupo was intelligent and studious, known locally for his remarkable memory and broad knowledge. Ambitious and gifted, he once likened himself to an imperial tutor or prime minister. In the 34th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, at the age of 26, Zhang Zhupo began the most important endeavor of his life: commenting on the book “-”. He wrote over 100,000 words of commentary, leaving a valuable legacy to Chinese literary theory. After his death, Zhang Zhupo was buried on the northern side of Zijin Mountain. His grave included stone statues of humans and horses, as well as a spirit way stele in front of the main tomb, all of which were destroyed during the “0”. In 1985, the tomb was relocated to a grove of pear trees on the eastern slope of Zijin Mountain, with a new epitaph reading “Tomb of Zhang Zhupo, Novelist Commentator of Early Qing.” The Hometown of Zhang Zhupo is located in Hanwang Village, Hanwang Town, Tongshan District, covering an area of 14 mu with a construction area of over 3,000 square meters. Construction began in March 2008, and it was completed and opened to the public in December 2008. Major constructions include the “-” Research Museum, east and west wing rooms, front and rear halls, ceremonial gate, main house, Flower-Appreciation Tower (Furong Hall), Scenic Gathering Hall, Lakeside Pavilion, Cloud-Resting Hall, wooden corridor, artificial lake, footbridge, rockery, memorial archway, and affiliated projects such as road greening. A collection of ancient beds, furniture, stoneware, plaques, and other items from various periods including the Ming and Qing dynasties was also acquired. The completion and opening of this sightseeing park has added a beautiful highlight to the tourism development of Hanwang Town.