Chunxi Hall

Chunxi Hall

Chunxi Hall is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou City.

Chunxi Hall is located at No. 204, Dongcai Village, Jinting Town. The property originally belonged to the Cai family, descendants of Cai Shihong, son-in-law of Emperor Shenzong of the Southern Song Dynasty. It is now owned by the Wuzhong District Tourism Bureau.

Chunxi Hall was built in the tenth month of the Yi-Si year during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The original complex included a main hall, side halls, a garden, and other structures, all grand in scale and exquisitely decorated. Unfortunately, it was demolished in the 1960s. Today, only the study, flower hall, garden, and rear building remain. On March 25, 1986, it was designated as a county-level cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of Wuxian City, under the name “Chunxi Hall Flower Hall and Garden.”

Upon entering the current gate of Chunxi Hall and turning right to head north, you will find a long, narrow passageway, about five to six meters in length, paved with square bricks. The structure is exquisitely and beautifully crafted. Its decorative highlight lies in the beams, which feature patterns such as peaches, peonies, orchids, and some slender leaves that resemble fluttering ribbons, graceful and charming. A plump bat crawls along the double-step pillar on the beam, symbolizing “happiness” at home. Hanging from the beam is also a pair of delicately crafted “flower baskets.” The “baskets” contain various precious flowers. The bottom patterns of the “baskets” feature “longevity” and “blessing,” symbolizing the owner’s wealth, prosperity, and long life. Each beam is also equipped with two copper rings, used for hanging lanterns for lighting.

In front of and behind the study are two small gardens. The paths in the gardens are paved with cobblestones. The front garden features a yellow-stone rockery, which is not particularly remarkable. The rear garden, however, is constructed with Taihu rocks and represents the essence of the entire garden. Among them, one rock resembles an old man with a hunched back, called the “Elder Peak.” The two rocks on its left and right are named the “Male Lion” and the “Young Lion.” The Male Lion rock stands 3.5 meters tall, slender and upright, embodying the qualities of being lean, wrinkled, translucent, porous, and elegant — all hallmarks of premium Taihu rocks. Legend has it that this rock originated from Xiegu Mountain and was brought by Zhu... (text truncated) from the Song Dynasty. Along with the “Pavilion Rock,” they are considered masterpieces. There is also a winding path among them. Among the plants is a 200-year-old camellia tree, which stretches over 10 meters high with a trunk circumference of 2.10 meters. Additionally, there is a centuries-old peony plant that blooms in vibrant red, filling the garden with splendor and adding boundless charm.

Behind the garden is the rear building. Each of its upper and lower floors consists of two rooms and one hall, serving as the master’s sleeping quarters.

Chunxi Hall is not large, but its corridors connect various parts, and its winding paths lead to secluded spots. Being inside it, one can “play a plain zither, read the golden scriptures, free from the noise of strings and bamboo, and unburdened by the toil of documents and desks.” What an elegant and contented experience that is.