Dongshan Landlord's Mansion

Dongshan Landlord's Mansion

The Dongshan Landlord's Mansion is located on Songyuan Lane in the southwest of Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou.

Originally the residence of the Jin family, a local landlord, it is also known as the Carved Flower Building due to its ornate decorations. Built in 1922, it covers an area of 5,500 square meters. The brick-carved gate tower stands 9 meters high and features a wooden-like structure with upturned eaves. It employs various techniques such as fine brick inlaying, openwork carving, high relief, and line engraving, all covered with auspicious patterns, Chinese characters, and historical scenes depicting figures such as Yao and Shun’s abdication, King Wen seeking wise men, and Guo Ziyi paying homage for his mother’s birthday. It is considered a masterpiece of brick carving art in southern China.

The beams, pillars, railings, windows, and other parts of the main front building are carved with auspicious patterns, stories from the Three Kingdoms, the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars, and theatrical scenes. Western architectural elements such as Corinthian capitals, wrought-iron railings, “cross” motifs, and stained glass are also used for decoration. The rear building is characterized by its unique structure of appearing two stories externally but actually having three levels inside. A corridor connects the front and rear buildings. To the north of the building lies a small, exquisitely designed garden with a pond, winding bridge, rockery, pavilions, and flowers arranged according to the terrain. To the south is a hall that is a Ming Dynasty structure.

Dongshan Town: Located southwest of Suzhou and 37 kilometers from the ancient city of Suzhou, Dongshan Town is a shining pearl by Taihu Lake. The town covers a total area of 96.55 square kilometers, governs 13 villages (communities), and has a permanent population of 54,000. Surrounded by water on three sides, Dongshan enjoys a pleasant climate and abundant natural resources. Known as a famous mountain of flowers and fruits, as well as a land of fish and rice, it is honored as the “Hometown of Biluochun Tea” and the “Hometown of Taihu Crabs” in China. Biluochun tea, white sand loquats, dark purple bayberries, Taihu hairy crabs, various premium vegetables, and valuable Taihu aquatic products are available year-round. “There are fruits in every season, flowers every month…” More detailed information about Dongshan Town ++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units