Former Residence of Qian Mu and Qian Weichang · Huaihai Charitable Estate

Former Residence of Qian Mu and Qian Weichang · Huaihai Charitable Estate

The Former Residence of Qian Mu and Qian Weichang · Huaihai Charitable Estate is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Huaihai Charitable Estate is located in Qifangqiao Village, Hongshan Town, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. It is one of the few remaining traditional folk charitable institutions in the Jiangnan region, covering an area of approximately 450 square meters. Originally, “Huaihai Charitable Estate” served as a gathering place for elders of the Qifangqiao Village clan, before later being converted into a charitable estate. In 1739, Emperor Qianlong issued an edict to commend the estate and promulgated a decree prohibiting the transfer of clan property, which helped ensure the protection and development of the estate. Its mission was “to provide disaster relief, aid the urgent, and support orphans and widows.” All widowed, orphaned, childless, or elderly members of the clan could receive money and grain from the estate, and impoverished students were able to attend school with its financial support.

Huaihai Charitable Estate was founded by the relatives of Qian Lingxi and has a history of 500 years. It is one of the few remaining traditional folk institutions in the Jiangnan region. The current person in charge is Qian Yu, who serves as a council member of the Wuxi Qian Liu Research Association and is of the same generation as Qian Lingxi.

The Qian family is a prominent clan in Wuxi, with Qian Liu, the king of the Wuyue Kingdom, as their founding ancestor. For quelling a rebellion, Emperor Zhaozong of the Tang Dynasty specially granted them an iron plaque inscribed with: “You are pardoned from nine deaths, your descendants from three. Or if committing ordinary crimes, officials shall not impose punishment.” According to the Qian family genealogy, Qian Lingxi was the 36th-generation descendant of Qian Liu. After receiving this iron plaque, the Qian family regarded it as a treasured heirloom. In 1951, descendants of the Qian family handed over this treasure to the state. Eight years later, it was collected by the Museum of Chinese History and is now classified as a national first-class cultural relic. However, after enduring many trials, much of the gold inlay on the plaque has worn off, and one corner is missing.

In front of Huaihai Charitable Estate flows a river called Liuxia’ao. Legend has it that it was dug by Wu Taibo. After the establishment of “Huaihai Charitable Estate,” the river was renamed Fangsheng Official River. It is said that Qifangqiao Village had no families with surnames other than Qian. The “Fangsheng Official River” stone tablet was erected after being reported to the county government by Qian Fuji of the Third House of Qifangqiao, also known as Ji Mei Gong (who was conferred the title of Prefectural Attendant during the Qing Tongzhi era, awarded a blue feather, and additionally appointed as Salt Transport Commissioner).

At that time, Qifangqiao was at its peak—houses were neatly arranged, streets were clean, and clan rules were strict. As stated in the Qian family motto: “The inner and outer gates are kept tidy, and the order of respect and seniority is strictly maintained.” Cattle and sheep were not allowed to be herded onto the streets, and children were forbidden from throwing bricks into the river. Violators would be mercilessly punished under clan rules, with their parents assigned to penal labor. Fishing was generally prohibited in the river, which was meant for releasing living creatures. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, locals would buy live fish and shrimp to offer incense and release them into the river. Especially on the fifteenth day of the third lunar month, the banks of the Fangsheng Official River would be crowded with people holding burning incense and live fish and shrimp, performing rituals to release them—a way to honor Wu Taibo for digging the Xia’ao Canal, bestowing blessings upon the village, and bringing prosperity to the people.

Scenic Area Address: Qifangqiao Village, Hongshan Town, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 712, 721, etc. in Wuxi City and get off at Taibo Industrial Park Station.