Former Residence of the Xiao Family

Former Residence of the Xiao Family

The Xiao Family Former Residence is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou.

The Xiao Residence is located on Shangtang Street in the central market area of Luzhi Town. Built in the year 1889 during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, it is a typical example of traditional residential architecture in the Jiangnan water towns. The house faces east and sits west, with a garden at its back and the street at its front. To the south of the residence lies an accompanying alleyway only one meter wide but about 150 meters long, commonly known as the Xiao Family Alley. Originally, there was a Yang Family Garden behind the residence, which has since been turned into residential buildings.

The Xiao Residence is one of the best-preserved ancient Qing Dynasty buildings in Luzhi Town, covering an area of over 1,000 square meters. The entire structure is compact, cleverly laid out, and exquisitely carved, fully showcasing the unique artistic style of Suzhou-style architecture. The residence has five sections in sequence: the entrance gate tower, the tea hall, the main floor hall, the wing rooms, and the dining hall. Among these, the tea hall and the main floor hall are the highlights of the residence, featuring beams and pillars intricately carved with various patterns symbolizing good fortune. Between the first and second sections, and between the second and third sections, there are brick-carved gate towers inscribed respectively with “Accumulate Goodness and Surplus Blessings” and “Swallows Wing for Future Planning,” both calligraphed by You Xianjia, a renowned local scholar from late Qing Dynasty Suzhou.

Luzhi Town: Luzhi, situated 25 kilometers southeast of Suzhou City, borders the Wusong River to the north, Chenghu Lake to the south, the Suzhou Industrial Park to the west, and Kunshan to the east. The town covers an area of 115 square kilometers (including 40 square kilometers of Chenghu Lake waters), governs 16 administrative villages and 2 communities, with a total population exceeding 200,000. Roads such as the Suzhou–Shanghai Expressway, the Outer Ring Expressway, Luzhi Avenue, and Dongfang Avenue run through the town, offering a superior location and convenient transportation.

Luzhi is a water town with a history of over 2,500 years and rich cultural heritage. It has been hailed by Mr. Fei Xiaotong as “the foremost water town in China.” The town boasts numerous cultural and historical sites... Luzhi Town detailed information++