Tongli Shide Hall

Tongli Shide Hall

Tongli Shide Hall is a cultural heritage site protected by Wujiang District.

Shide Hall (No. 158 Xintian Street)

Located in the middle section of Xintian Street (No. 158 Xintian Street), it was the former residence of the Cao family, originally built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1821–1850). The name of the hall reflects the family’s aspiration to pass on virtuous ancestral conduct through generations. In the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign (1906), Shide Hall established the “Cao Yilong” sauce workshop, converting the street-front houses into shops. Its “Baiyuan Soy Sauce” and “Ben Shao Wine” were renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique flavors, gaining wide popularity across towns and becoming famous far and wide. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, Shide Hall was sold to the Qian family of Dunren Hall, and in the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935), it was resold to the Zhang family. The original residence had six courtyards, arranged from south to north, successively comprising the gateway, sedan hall, main hall, main building, rear building, and servants’ quarters. Currently, five courtyards remain, totaling 44 rooms with a floor area of 1,333 square meters. In December 2008, Shide Hall was listed as a cultural heritage site protected by Wujiang City.