Qingyu Hall

Shiqing Hall

Shiqing Hall is a cultural heritage site under the protection of Suzhou City.

Shiqing Hall is situated at No. 186, Dongli Village, Jinting Town (i.e., West Hill Island), Wuzhong District, Suzhou. It was built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The existing complex consists of six individual structures covering a total area of approximately 411.3 square meters: one gatehouse, one flower hall, one rear auxiliary room, one main hall, one tower hall, and one residential building. These are divided into two routes—eastern and western. The eastern route includes the gatehouse, flower hall, and rear auxiliary room; the western route contains the main hall, tower hall, and residence. They are interconnected by service alleys, while individual buildings are separated by partition walls and courtyards, forming independent units. The flower hall features a three-bay width, with an interior five-bay span, front and rear verandas, and a five-bay returned roof structure, creating a “triple-veranda linked” layout. Its compact structure showcases exquisite curves.

Notably, the brick-carved gate tower on the east side of the front courtyard bears an inscription reading “Qianlong Yichou Mengqiu,” which corresponds to the year 1745—the definitive construction date of the hall.

The main hall has a three-bay width with an interior four-bay span, featuring a front veranda and a double-step rear section. The interior beams, beam caps, rafter ends, column bases, bracket arms, and architraves are all exquisitely crafted, exhibiting rich carvings and elegant patterns, and demonstrating significant artistic value.

In 2009, Shiqing Hall was designated as part of the sixth batch of cultural heritage sites protected by Suzhou City.