Zhen'gu Hall

Zhen'gu Hall

Zhen'gu Hall is a cultural heritage site protected by Suzhou Municipality.

Zhen'gu Hall, also known as the Former Residence of Shen Tilan, was where the patriotic educator Mr. Shen Tilan spent his childhood.

Mr. Shen was born into a scholarly family in Zhouzhuang. Once, he asked his father, “What does ‘Zhen’gu’ in ‘Zhen’gu Hall’ mean?” His father answered, “‘Zhen’gu’ means steadfast and unyielding. As an ancient text wisely says, ‘Steadfastness and integrity are enough to accomplish any task.’” Located by Taiping Bridge in the ancient town, Zhen'gu Hall is a traditional residential building featuring high walls, floral windows, white walls, and black tiles. Facing the street and the river, it enjoys an elegant, classic ambiance with a unique charm. The interior structure is exquisitely designed, with authentically preserved furnishings. The scholarly atmosphere remains, complemented by vintage furniture, cultural relics, and calligraphy and paintings that blend harmoniously, offering a quaint and rustic appeal. The property has six guest rooms and nine beds in total, decorated in styles of the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, along with one self-catering kitchen. The guest rooms are finely decorated and rich in water town character.

Address of Zhen'gu Hall: No. 121 Quanfu Road, Zhouzhuang, Kunshan

Shen Tilan (1899.1–1976.6) was a patriotic democrat and educator. His original name was Liufang, and his style name was Tilan. He was a native of Zhouzhuang Town. In 1918 (the 7th year of the Republic of China), he graduated from the senior high school department of Soochow University (Dongwu University) and later enrolled there, earning a bachelor’s degree in science. While in school, he actively participated in propaganda activities for the May Fourth Movement, was elected president of the Suzhou Student Federation, and joined the New South Society. Later, he went to the University of Oxford in the UK, where he obtained a master’s degree in literature. After returning to China, he served as an officer at the National YMCA. In 1936 (the 25th year of the Republic of China), while serving as principal of Shanghai McTyeire School, he… More details about Shen Tilan ++