Dongyan Thatched Cottage

Dongyan Thatched Cottage

Dongyan Thatched Cottage is a cultural heritage site protected by Suzhou Municipality.

Dongyan Thatched Cottage is located on Huayuan Lane, Yangshu Street, Guangfu Town. It is also known as the Xu Family Garden or the Wu Family Garden. The old *Guangfu Annals* record: “Dongyan Thatched Cottage was originally built by Xu Jianhu, a local of Guangfu in the late Ming Dynasty, hence the name Xu Family Garden. After falling into long-term disrepair, it was rebuilt during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty by Xu Fu, the fifth-generation descendant of Xu Jianhu. Xu Fu, styled Yuepo, was a native of Guangfu. Exceptionally bright and studious from childhood, well-read in the classics and history, with an eidetic memory, he spent many years in Chu and Xiang regions, where he made friends with many eminent figures and scholars. In his later years, he returned to his hometown, restored the family estate, and rebuilt the ancestral Dongyan Thatched Cottage, expanding it further and adding structures such as the Cloud-Viewing Pavilion. Later historical records state that the Xu family fell into decline and sold their mansion, which was then purchased by Wu Silan, a painter from central Wu, after which it became known as the Wu Family Garden.”

The architectural layout of Dongyan Thatched Cottage follows a southern garden with a northern residence. The southern garden is densely planted with flowers and trees, lush and vibrant, with blossoms in brilliant hues. The pavilions, corridors, and terraces are uniquely designed, complemented by rockeries and ponds. The pond is home to lotus flowers and goldfish, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Structures such as Moonlit Corridor, Xinhua Pavilion, Yancui Studio, Conggui Veranda, Reading Hall, and Cloud-Viewing Pavilion are all quaint and exquisitely crafted in traditional style. The northern part consists of the living quarters, divided into upper and lower floors, with elegant and refined construction. The upturned eaves soar gracefully, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. The layout of Dongyan Thatched Cottage is rational and harmonious—both in scale and interior arrangement—which sets it apart from ordinary cottages. Every element of the garden and residence reflects the ingenuity of its designer. What remains today are all structures from the Qing Dynasty. The original Qing-era plaque inscribed by the provincial governor Huang Antao is no longer extant, but other features such as Xinhua Pavilion, Yancui Studio, the lotus pond, and the northern residence remain intact.