Former Residence of Pan Yifen

Former Residence of Pan Yifen

The former residence of Pan Yifen is a cultural tourism attraction.

The residence of Pan Yifen is located at No. 48 Daru Lane and is called Duanshan Hall. It is a typical large Qing Dynasty mansion with five sections and seven courtyards. Facing south, the second section from the east serves as the main axis. The second courtyard after entering the gate is a flat-framed flower hall, which originally housed the ancestral tablets of the Pan family. The third courtyard is the main hall, spanning three bays with a width of 13.8 meters and eaves over 3 meters high, featuring flat-framed beams, bracket sets on every column, and a front boat-shaped canopy. The pillars are thick and sturdy, adorned with "oar-wood" at the top, commonly known as the "gauze hat hall." In front of the hall is a row of clear-glazed floor-length windows. There was originally a brick-carved gate tower in the courtyard, but it no longer exists. Both sides of the main hall have service corridors. At the rear are two courtyards with side rooms and upper floors, and the service corridors contain very steep enclosed wooden staircases for access. The staircase referred to in Suzhou Pingtan as the one leading up to the young lady’s chamber is of this style.

The upper-floor chamber is elegantly constructed, with carved door frames still in place. The interior floors of the side chambers are paved with square bricks, reflecting the ancient emphasis on fire prevention in wooden structures. The eastern section of the house has been renovated and lost its original appearance. The western section mainly features round-framed halls, with densely arranged buildings and deep courtyards, retaining an ancient charm. The back gate of the Pan residence is on Nanshizijie, where, from a distance, one can see a row of towering buildings covered in ivy and vines on the walls, presenting an exceptionally charming scene. The former residence of Pan Yifen has been listed as a Controlled Conservation Building of Suzhou.

Pan Yifen (1893–1953), courtesy name Wanyu, was a native of Suzhou and came from a scholarly family. Duanshan Hall was his ancestral home and birthplace. In his early years, he studied at Nanyang Public School. In 1909, the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty, he graduated from the Surveying and Mapping Department of the Jiangsu Railway School. He was hired by Zhang Jian, the top imperial scholar of Nantong, to engage in urban surveying work in Nantong. Due to his solid work, he earned Zhang Jian’s high regard. After completing the project, he was recommended to the Shandong Yellow River Conservancy Bureau, thus beginning his lifelong dedication to the management of the Yellow River. During the over 30 years he devoted to harnessing the Yellow River, he frequently went deep into construction sites, planned designs, and worked tirelessly... More details about Pan Yifen ++

Historic District Community: Located in the northeast of the ancient city in Pingjiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the Historic District Community stretches from Xiangmen River in the east to Pingjiang River in the west, and from Zhongzhangjia Lane in the south to Guanyuanjia in the north, covering a total area of 0.4 square kilometers. The community is home to more than 3,400 households and over 9,000 residents. The area boasts a wealth of cultural relics and a strong historical and cultural atmosphere, including the World Cultural Heritage site Couple’s Retreat Garden, cultural heritage conservation units such as the Opera Museum, Pingtan Museum, the Pan residence, and the former residence of the celebrity Tang Na. It also retains many features of the ancient city, such as waterways, small bridges, alleys, ancient residences, historic archways, ancient trees, and ancient wells, all showcasing the charm of “small bridges, flowing water, and... More details about the Historic District Community ++