Memorial Hall of Gu Xiancheng

Memorial Hall of Gu Xiancheng

The Memorial Hall of Gu Xiancheng is located in Yuanjin Lane, Zhangjing Town, Wuxi. It is the birthplace of the brothers Gu Xiancheng and Gu Yuncheng. To promote the patriotic spirit of Gu Xiancheng and other members of the Donglin Party, who upheld justice, reformed the court, and cared deeply for the nation and its people, as well as to carry out education in historical materialism and patriotism, inherit and promote the long-standing historical and cultural traditions of the ancient town, benefit future generations, inspire progress, the former Zhangjing Town Party Committee and government invested over 3 million yuan to lay the foundation for the “Memorial Hall of Gu Xiancheng” on May 16, 1992, and completed its construction and inauguration on May 18, 1993. The completion of the memorial hall integrates with the Donglin Academy in Wuxi City and plays an important role in researching and showcasing the history of the Donglin Party.

The main entrance of the memorial hall features a horizontal plaque inscribed with “Memorial Hall of Gu Xiancheng,” written by contemporary calligrapher and painter Dong Xinbin. The building covers a total area of 3,154 square meters. In the courtyard stands a stone statue of Gu Xiancheng created by Professor Qian Shaowu, a sculptor from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The back of the statue is engraved with a brief biography of Gu Xiancheng. In front of the memorial hall are two side wings, and in front of them stands a pair of blue stone lions. The backyard was originally a garden, surrounded by corridors on all sides, featuring pavilions, waterside pavilions, rockeries, and flower arrangements, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. During the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, Gu Gao, a descendant of the Gu family who became the top imperial scholar, added a Hall of the Number One Scholar behind the garden.

The hall houses the former residence of Gu Xiancheng, known as “Duánjū Táng” (端居堂). Duánjū Táng has five bays in width, with beams and brackets adorned with carvings of flying immortals. In the center of Duánjū Táng hangs a plaque inscribed with the name “Duánjū Táng” and a central hanging scroll. On either side of the pillars are Gu Xiancheng’s timeless couplet: “The sound of wind, the sound of rain, the sound of reading, all reach the ear; matters of family, matters of state, matters of the world, all matter to the heart.” The hall also displays materials about Gu Xiancheng, Gu Yuncheng, and other members of the Donglin Party, as well as artworks by renowned contemporary Chinese painters and calligraphers.

Gu Xiancheng (1550–1612) was a renowned scholar of the Ming Dynasty, hailing from Wuxi (now part of Jiangsu Province). His courtesy name was Shushi, and his pseudonym was Jingyang. He was commonly referred to as Master Donglin. A successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Wanli era, he served as Langzhong (a senior official) in the Ministry of Personnel’s Civil Selection Bureau. In 1594, he was dismissed from office and returned to his hometown. Together with his brother Yuncheng and Gao Panlong, he lectured at the Donglin Academy. He often criticized court politics, resonating with both officials and commoners, which greatly enhanced the reputation of the Donglin Party. He was known as one of the “Three Gentlemen” along with -Xing and Zou Yuanbiao. His works include “Collected Writings of Gu Duanwen.”

In the early spring of 1595, a patient who had lapsed into unconsciousness several times opened his eyes tenaciously once again, reflecting on the storms he had weathered over 46 years... More detailed information about Gu Xiancheng ++