Shen Jiaben Memorial Hall

Shen Jiaben Memorial Hall

Shen Jiaben Memorial Hall is located within the Yishang Street Historical and Cultural Preservation Zone in Wuxing District, Huzhou City. Established by the Huzhou Municipal Government in 2012 to commemorate the renowned Chinese jurist Shen Jiaben, the memorial hall officially opened to the public in January 2013. It was rebuilt upon the former site of the municipal-level cultural heritage property — the Zhou Residence at Dabaidukou, and boasts an ingenious structure, unique design, and beautiful surroundings.

The memorial hall covers an area of approximately 1,400 square meters and consists of two floors with a square layout. Inside, there is a bronze statue and a white marble-like replica statue of Shen Jiaben. The exhibits include legal documents revised by Shen Jiaben, his personal belongings, calligraphy works, and more, presenting in diverse forms the arduous journey of Mr. Shen’s dedication to legal reform.

The exhibits are divided into three sections to illustrate the achievements of Shen Jiaben’s life. The first section, “Turbulent Times, Remarkable Life,” introduces Shen Jiaben’s life story. The second section, “Saving the Nation through Law, Bridging Past and Future,” highlights his outstanding contributions to the modernization of China’s legal system. The third section, “Shen Jiaben and Huzhou,” uses the Haizhou Religious Case as an example to illustrate how, despite holding a high-ranking position, he never forgot his hometown.

Since its opening, the exhibition hall has effectively filled the gap in Huzhou’s commemoration of historical figures in the field of law, becoming a second classroom for legal education in the city. It has attracted considerable attention, making significant contributions to legal awareness campaigns and the popularization of legal principles.

Source: Huzhou Municipal People's Government

Shen Jiaben (1840–1913), courtesy name Zichun, also known as Jiyue, was a native of Wuxing (present-day Huzhou). His father, Bingying, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and once served as Langzhong (a mid-level official) in the Ministry of Punishments and as Prefect of Anshun in Guizhou. In the first year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1862), Shen passed the imperial examination for Juren (recommended man) and served as a principal drafter for the Zhili (present-day Beijing) and Shaanxi divisions of the Ministry of Punishments, earning the recognition of Pan Wenqin, Minister of Punishments. In the ninth year of the Guangxu era (1883), he became a Jinshi and was appointed Chief Compiler of the Fengtian (present-day Shenyang) division, concurrently serving as Acting Director of the Autumn Review Office and Assistant Director of the Law Codification Office. He was later promoted to Associate Director and Manager. In the 19th year of Guangxu (1893), he was appointed Prefect of Tianjin. During his tenure, he combined leniency with strictness and governed with both benevolence and authority, earning widespread praise from the people. He was later transferred to Ba… More details about Shen Jiaben++