The Former Residence of Zhao Yongxian

The Former Residence of Zhao Yongxian

The Former Residence of Zhao Yongxian is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Former Residence of Zhao Yongxian is located at No. 10 Nanzhao Lane, Xijing’an District, in the urban area of Changshu, Jiangsu Province.

This residence was the home of Zhao Yongxian and his descendants during the Ming Dynasty, originally constructed during the Jiajing period. Historical records show that Zhao Yongxian became a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) in the fifth year of the Longqing era (1571), eventually serving as Vice Minister of Personnel, and was posthumously honored as Minister of Rites. His son Qimei, who inherited his father’s official rank, successively held positions such as Criminal Ministry Langzhong. Both father and son were passionate about book collecting and were renowned bibliophiles during the Longqing and Wanli eras. Their study was called “Maiwangguan” (Book of Hope Hall), inspired by a line from the "Immortal Scriptures": “If a bookworm eats the characters of the immortals three times, it transforms into this creature.”

The residence faces south and originally had three axial layouts, but the left and right two have been destroyed, leaving only the main axis, which covers an area of approximately 1,400 square meters. The large wooden framework, painted beams and brackets, carved column bases, decorative carved baseboards, and bracket arms in the shape of a T are all original Ming Dynasty elements, possessing significant architectural art value.

The surviving structures of the Zhao Residence consist of a single group of axial buildings, covering a total area of over 400 square meters. The entrance hall has three bays, with bracket arms extending from the front eaves and painted lintels. The main hall features four rafters... [text truncated] …and includes various decorative elements such as carved beams, lattice windows, and paintwork, all well-preserved. The interior decoration is exquisitely detailed, and the wooden carvings are particularly refined. The study room is positioned towards the rear, reflecting traditional layout principles. The courtyard is arranged symmetrically, with additional spaces dedicated to scholarly pursuits.

On the eastern side of the main axis, adjacent to the main hall, there is a three-bay study known as the Maiwangguan (Book of Hope Hall). The original Ming Dynasty structure had long been lost, but it was rebuilt in the mid-Qing Dynasty. The building is three bays wide, with a total width of 7.2 meters, a total depth of 6.95 meters, and eave columns 3.75 meters high. It uses a post-and-lintel construction method, with the central bay measuring 2.9 meters, and the two side bays each 2.15 meters. The distance between the inner golden columns is 3.4 meters, featuring a coffered ceiling. A step-frame corridor 1.2 meters long is added toward the southern front, while a boat-shaped canopy is installed to the north, using a crescent-shaped beam with a depth of 2.35 meters. Today, the lattice windows to the south remain largely intact, although the “Maiwangguan” plaque was destroyed after 1966. The courtyard once featured a rockery and a small pond, both of which no longer exist.

The Former Residence of Zhao Yongxian, along with Qian Qianyi’s Jiangyun Tower and Mao Jin’s Jigu Pavilion, are equally renowned as major book collections in Jiangnan and hold an esteemed place in the history of ancient Chinese book collecting. They possess significant historical, cultural, and artistic value. In 2006, the Zhao Yongxian Residence, as an ancient Ming Dynasty building, was included by the State Council in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

Shuangqiao Ancient Town