Qianlu (Liugeng Cottage)

Qianlu (Liugeng Cottage)

Qianlu, also known as Liugeng Cottage, enshrines four notable figures from Wuxi, including Yang Yanjun. The shrine is connected to the Liugeng Cottage on Shanghetang and was originally the site of a villa garden built by his son, Yang Zonglian (Yifang). Constructed in the eighth year of the Guangxu reign (1882), the garden features three halls: Qianlu, Liugeng Cottage, and Conggui Pavilion. The entrance hall of Liugeng Cottage is located by Longtou Stream on Shanghetang, with a plaque inscribed “Qianlu” hanging above, written in clerical script by Xu Guofeng in July of the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928). After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, “Qianlu” was used by the military, but the garden layout remained well preserved. In June 2006, it was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit as part of the core shrine and garden complex in Huishan Town. In September 2008, following restoration and conservation efforts, the original appearance of “Qianlu” was fully revived.

Yang Yanjun, a successful candidate in the imperial examination of the 27th year of the Daoguang reign (1847), served as a county magistrate in regions such as Shandong and Anhui. He and Li Hongzhang were examinees of the same year and shared a close friendship. During his tenure as magistrate in Feicheng, Shandong, amid persistent drought, Yang Yanjun opened the granaries to distribute grain and did many good deeds for the local people. He later passed away in Jinan. In the late Qing dynasty, his son Yang Yifang built the Liugeng Cottage villa garden, which was later converted into the Yang family ancestral shrine. It enshrined Yang Yanjun, his brother Yang Yanzhi, and their wives Lady Hou and Lady Du, collectively referred to as the Shrine of Four Virtuous Figures. The rear garden served as the shrine’s garden, covering an area of 1,400 square meters.

The garden includes scenic structures such as Wangshan Tower, Conggui Pavilion, the entrance hall, and a stage. The ponds, corridors, pavilions, bridges, lake stones, and plants are thoughtfully arranged. Compact and exquisitely designed, the garden incorporates the beautiful scenery of Xishan Mountain, presenting a quaint and elegant charm. It stands as one of the finest villa gardens in Wuxi from the late Qing dynasty.

The main hall, Liugeng Cottage, faces south and is a hip-roof structure with three bays. A screen wall stands in the center, and lattice windows are installed on the east and west sides. Corridors at the front and back connect the hall, with three over-100-year-old podocarpus trees, each around four meters tall, planted in front. These trees have been listed among Wuxi’s ancient and famous trees. To the south lies a pond, beyond which sits the stage. The exterior of Liugeng Cottage is surrounded by corridors. At the eastern end of the corridor, there are gates on the east and west. Exiting from the western gate and ascending the steps leads to a three-bay side hall with a gable-and-hip roof. Its design is identical to that of Conggui Pavilion and is now called Wangshan Tower. From here, looking east, one can take in the harmonious composition of the hall, pond, bridge, corridor, rocks, and trees, enjoying a full view of the garden landscape. Gazing southward, the pagoda of Xishan Mountain appears faintly in the distance. Behind Liugeng Cottage lies Conggui Pavilion, centered around a pond. A newly built pavilion has been added within the corridor, and a winding bridge with iron railings spans the pond, connecting Liugeng Cottage and Conggui Pavilion. Conggui Pavilion is a gable-and-hip roof structure with four bays, featuring a front corridor and a rear courtyard. On either side of the pavilion’s entrance are corridors, with the eastern one connecting to the pavilion. The pavilion, bridge, corridor, and hall encircle the pond, forming a beautifully integrated garden space.

Huishan Subdistrict: Huishan Subdistrict administers nine community committees and one family committee: Mianhuaxiang Community, Xinglongqiao Community, Wulixincun Community, Sheng’an Yi Village Community, Sheng’an Er Village Community, Huichangli Community, Xinhuilu Community, Ronghu Community, Huiquanshan Community, and Huaying Family Committee. … More detailed information about Huishan Subdistrict++