Youwushuyuan “Four-Sided Hall”

Youwushuyuan “Four-Sided Hall”

Youwushuyuan “Four-Sided Hall” is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Youwushuyuan “Four-Sided Hall”

It is situated within Shutai Park in the urban area, at the Changshu Painting and Calligraphy Academy. Constructed in the third year of the Yongzheng reign (1725) by Yang Benzhi, the Grain Storage Intendant, it was subsequently renovated and expanded many times. In the 28th year of the Guangxu reign (1902), the academy became Changzhao School, later renamed the Western Campus of Changshu Public Higher Primary School, and ceased operations in the second year of the Xuantong reign (1910). The current three-room structure faces south, features a flush gable roof, and measures 18.2 meters in width and 7.8 meters in depth. The central room is the hall known as the “Four-Sided Hall,” which has a raised-beam structure with moon beams used in the wooden framework. The former site of Youwushuyuan now houses Shimei Primary School and the Changshu Painting and Calligraphy Academy. It was designated as a Changshu Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit in November 1982.