Yan Nong’s Residence

Yan Nong’s Residence

Yan Nong’s Residence is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Jiangsu Province.

Yan Nong’s Residence was the home of Yan Nong, a Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty and a native of this locality. Yan Nong (1511–1584), styled Minqing and also known as Yangzhai, was from Changshu. He became a Jinshi (imperial scholar) during the Jiajing reign, eventually rising to the positions of Minister of Rites, Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall. The residence originally had three courtyards, but only two remain today, covering an area of approximately 205.99 square meters. The rear hall of the second courtyard is an original structure from the Ming Dynasty, facing south with a hip-and-gable roof. Its beam frames feature minimal painted decoration, use sturdy materials, and exhibit a simple design. The main hall of the second courtyard, which has a flush-gable roof, was rebuilt during the mid-Qing Dynasty. To the right of the hall lies a small garden with lake rocks, potted plants, and flowers, offering a quaint and elegant atmosphere. This residence was designated as a provincial-level cultural heritage site on June 5, 2006.

Yan Nong (1511–1584), styled Minqing and also known as Yangzhai, was a native of Changshu in Southern Zhili (present-day Jiangsu Province). He became a Jinshi (imperial scholar) in the 20th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1541) and was appointed as a compiler at the Hanlin Academy. When the Wu region (encompassing parts of present-day Jiangsu and Zhejiang) suffered from Wokou pirate raids and natural disasters, leading to widespread death and displacement, Yan Nong submitted a memorial detailing the plight of the people, which resulted in tax and grain exemptions. During the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Shenzong, he was successively promoted to Minister of Personnel and Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, participating in state affairs. He was posthumously awarded the title of Minor Guardian and given the posthumous name Wenjing. He authored the Collected Works of Yan Wenjing. … More details about Yan Nong ++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Heritage Sites in Jiangsu Province