Nanxun Zhang Family Old Residence Complex

Nanxun Zhang Family Old Residence Complex

The Nanxun Zhang Family Old Residence Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Nanxun Zhang Family Old Residence Complex (National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit)

Era: 1899–1906

Announcement Date: June 25, 2001

The Zhang Family Old Residence is situated on Nanxi Street in Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Constructed between the 25th and 32nd years of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1899–1906), it was the private residence of Zhang Shiming, the cousin of Zhang Jingjiang, a founding member of the Kuomintang.

The entire complex covers an area of 5,135 square meters, with a built-up area of 6,137 square meters, featuring 244 rooms in various architectural styles. The residence faces east and is divided into southern, northern, and central sections. The front sections feature late Qing Dynasty Chinese-style architecture, while the later sections in the southern and central parts showcase Western European Baroque-style buildings. The residence encompasses a full range of architectural styles, with rich brick, wood, and stone carvings. The Chinese-style sections incorporate a significant amount of Western materials and craftsmanship. It also preserves numerous calligraphic works by master artists, which is extremely rare among residences in the Jiangnan region.

The residence integrates Chinese and Western architectural forms, reflecting the cultural exchange characteristic of the late Qing Dynasty when Western influences were spreading to the East. It combines Eastern and Western architecture, culture, and art, possessing high historical and artistic value, and is hailed as the foremost private residence in the Jiangnan area.

Zhang Dalun (1917–1949), from Taowan, Lushi County, Henan Province (now part of Luanchuan County). In June 1939, during the 28th year of the Republic of China, he joined the Chinese Communist Party in Lushi County. Using the cover of being the head of the Yingzi Joint Defense, he was assigned to Yingzi to carry out party-building work and served as the first Party branch secretary. In 1941, during the 30th year of the Republic of China, when Henan-West cadres withdrew to Yan’an, Zhang Dalun was left behind in Lushi to continue underground work. In the autumn of 1942, during the 31st year of the Republic of China, he was betrayed by the traitor Du Fake and arrested, then imprisoned in the Ye County concentration camp. In 1944, during the 33rd year of the Republic of China… More details about Zhang Dalun ++

Nanxun Town: Nanxun is a prosperous and culturally vibrant ancient town in the Jiangnan region. Its geographical coordinates are 120°25’–120°26’ east longitude and 30°52’–30°53’20” north latitude. Located by Taihu Lake and bordering Suzhou, it serves as the eastern gateway for Huzhou to connect with Shanghai’s Pudong area. The Chang-Hu-Shen waterway and National Highway 318 run through the town, offering superior geographical conditions and convenient land and water transportation. The town covers a total area of 141.3 square kilometers, governs 51 administrative villages and 10 residential communities, with a total population of 116,000 and cultivated land area of 122,500 mu. In 2000… More details about Nanxun Town ++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units