Zhang Pu’s Former Residence (Zhang Pu’s Ancestral Home)

Zhang Pu’s Former Residence (Zhang Pu’s Ancestral Home)

Zhang Pu’s Former Residence (Zhang Pu’s Ancestral Home) is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Zhang Pu’s Former Residence is located at No. 57 Xinhua West Road, Chengxiang Town, Taicang City, Jiangsu Province.

The residence was originally built during the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty as the home of Zhang Fu, Zhang Pu’s uncle and Minister of Works during the Chongzhen era, and was later acquired by Zhang Pu. Zhang Pu (1602–1641), a native of Taicang, also known by his courtesy name Tianru and literary name Ximing, was a famous Ming Dynasty literary figure and political activist. He served as a Shujishi (imperial scholar). During the Chongzhen era, Zhang Pu organized the famous literary society Fushe (Revival Society), which aimed to “revive ancient learning and ensure its practical application,” engaging in both political and literary activities. Zhang Pu was a prolific writer, producing works such as the Collected Works of Qilu Studio, and authored the renowned “Record of the Five Men’s Tomb,” commemorating five righteous scholars from Suzhou who were killed opposing the tyranny of Wei Zhongxian’s “Eunuch Faction.”

The existing structure is a three-courtyard, interconnected, revolving corridor-style building with flush gable roofs, covering a site area of 1,400 square meters and a construction area of 1,507 square meters. It is a relatively well-preserved example of Ming Dynasty architecture. The main hall houses a bust of Zhang Pu, while the rear sections consist of the living quarters used by Zhang Pu. A small garden lies behind the residence. The compound borders Taicang People’s Park. The building has now been converted into the Taicang Museum.

Zhang Pu’s Former Residence preserves the architectural style of a Ming Dynasty “Ministerial Mansion” in a relatively intact manner, featuring high specifications, exquisite craftsmanship, and a rational layout. As early as the 1970s, the renowned expert in ancient architecture and gardens, Professor Chen Congzhou, discovered this historic building during a family visit and confirmed that it conformed to the architectural standards of a first-rank official residence from the Ming Dynasty.

In 2006, Zhang Pu’s Former Residence, as a Ming Dynasty structure, was included in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council.

Address: No. 57 Xinhua West Road, Chengxiang Town, Taicang City, Suzhou

Type: Celebrity Former Residence

Opening Hours:

9:00-17:30

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 20.0 RMB

Zhang Pu (1602–1641) was a late Ming Dynasty literary figure. His courtesy name was Tianru, and he was from Taicang (now part of Jiangsu). As a child, he was diligent and studious, often copying out every book he read by hand, reciting it, and then burning the copy—repeating this process six or seven times regardless of the season. Because of this habit, his study was named the Seven-Transcript Studio. In the fourth year of the Chongzhen era (1631), he passed the imperial examination and was later appointed as a Shujishi. He was as famous as fellow townsman Zhang Cai, and the two were known as the “Two Zhangs of Loudong.” He co-founded the literary society Fushe with other local scholars, reviving ancient learning and engaging in literary and social activities. Though outwardly a scholarly group for lectures and friendship, Fushe actually critiqued contemporary politics and opposed the powerful aristocracy and bureaucrats... [More details about Zhang Pu++]

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units