Jiangshan Wenchang Palace

Jiangshan Wenchang Palace

Jiangshan Wenchang Palace is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Wenchang Palace was first planned in the 14th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1888 AD), covering an area of 1,576 square meters. Its main structure follows a "three-courtyard, four patio" layout, and the exterior features a brick memorial archway-style architectural design. As a reflection of the local people in Ershiba Ancient Town's reverence for scholarship and culture, Wenchang Palace has long been an important gathering place for literati and students to engage in literary exchanges. In the front courtyard of Wenchang Palace, there are two osmanthus trees planted, as the Chinese character for “osmanthus” (桂) sounds like “nobility” or “prosperity” (贵), symbolizing “prosperity that comes knocking” and “success in the imperial examinations.”

The exterior wall features a brick memorial archway-style architectural design. The four stone pillars are known as “door pillars,” originating from the idiom “门当户对” (meaning families of equal social status). The plaques above the doors of the side chambers on the left and right are inscribed with “居仁” (Dwelling in Benevolence) and “由义” (Acting with Righteousness), taken from Mencius: “居任由义，大人之事备矣！” which means “with inner benevolence and actions guided by righteousness, one embodies the virtues of a noble person.”

In the front courtyard of Wenchang Palace, there are two osmanthus trees planted. In ancient times, osmanthus trees were planted because the character “桂” (osmanthus) sounds like “贵” (nobility or prosperity), symbolizing “prosperity that comes knocking,” and success in the highest imperial exams was referred to as “plucking the laurels of the moon palace” (蟾宫折桂). One of the trees is a century-old golden osmanthus that is the same age as Wenchang Palace. Thanks to careful preservation, it still emits a rich fragrance today.

It is understood that Wenchang Palace currently houses 451 colored paintings, including 71 depicting historical figures and stories, and 380 featuring landscapes, flowers, and birds. Each painting has its own story, making it an artistic treasure trove that integrates architecture, painting, and carving among other forms of visual art.

On October 7, 2019, Wenchang Palace in Jiangshan was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units