West Xiaolu (West Xiaohu Riverside Block)

West Xiaolu (West Xiaohu Riverside Block)

In the ancient city of Shaoxing, there is an authentic historical and cultural block — the preserved area of West Xiaolu.

To the northwest of North Huancheng Road lies Beihaiqiao Straight Street, which crosses North Huancheng Road. Opposite it is Shangdalujie Straight Street, to the east is Xingwenqiao Straight Street, and a short walk south along Beihai Road leads to West Xiaolu. Continuing south along West Xiaolu, you’ll reach Shengli West Road at the southern exit.

Located at the intersection of West Xiaolu and Shengli West Road, the “Ancient Yue Library” is adjacent to the Datong Academy.

It was founded in the late Qing Dynasty by Xu Shulan (1837–1902). Xu Shulan, courtesy name Zhongfan and alias Jian’an, was a native of Shanyin (Shaoxing) in the Qing Dynasty. In the second year of the Guangxu reign (1876), he passed the imperial examination as a Juren and was appointed as a Langzhong in the Ministry of War. He later contributed funds to become a candidate for Prefect and was appointed as a Salt Transport Commissioner with the honor of a peacock feather.

The Ancient Yue Library is the earliest library in China’s history to open to the public and the first to feature characteristics of a modern public library. Mr. Cai Yuanpei worked here from 1886 to 1900 during his youth, proofreading books for the Xu family.

Not far from the “Ancient Yue Library” is the “Datong Academy,” which served as a training ground for revolutionaries and military officers by the late Qing revolutionary group the Restoration Society. It was also the first normal school in China to establish a dedicated physical education department.

The site was originally the imperial examination hall from the Song Dynasty and was converted into the Yu Granary during the Qing Dynasty. The academy faces south with three courtyards and five bays, differing from the typical three-bay layout and multi-story structures common in Shaoxing residences.

In the 31st year of the Guangxu reign (1905), Xu Xilin and Tao Chengzhang founded the Datong Academy here. In February 1907, Qiu Jin took over as the director of the academy. On July 6, 1907, after the failure of the Anqing uprising, Xu Xilin was killed, implicating the Datong Academy. On July 13, the Shaoxing prefect, leading Qing troops, surrounded the academy. Qiu Jin faced the danger fearlessly but was eventually captured due to being outnumbered.

The academy faces south with three courtyards and five bays, differing from the typical three-bay layout and multi-story structures common in Shaoxing residences.

Although the Datong Academy operated for only two years, it trained a group of military talents, helping to build momentum for the success of the Xinhai Revolution and accelerating the progress of the old democratic revolution.

Not far away is the national key cultural relics protection unit — the Lv Mansion.

The Lv Mansion was the residence of Lü Ben, Minister of Rites during the Jiajing era (1522–1566) of the Ming Dynasty. The mansion stretches from Wan’an Bridge in the east to Xie Gong Bridge in the west, covering an area of 48 mu. There are thirteen halls facing south, hence it is also known as the Thirteen Halls of Lv Mansion, making it the largest official-style residential complex from the Ming Dynasty in the Jiangnan region. Its main hall, Yong’en Hall, features seven bays and uses a seven-rafter straight beam structure, making it the largest official-style residential hall in the Jiangnan area. As an ancient Ming Dynasty building, the Lv Mansion has been listed by the State Council as part of the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

At the junction of West Xiaolu and Xinhe Lane stands an ancient bridge — Xie Gong Bridge. Xie Gong Bridge: Originally built during the Later Jin Dynasty (936–946), this single-arch, seven-segment stone bridge features carved patterns on the keystone depicting a three-clawed dragon, indicating its origins predate the Southern Song Dynasty. From atop Xie Gong Bridge, the scenery is picturesque — willows swaying, white walls and black tiles, small bridges over flowing water, and quaint houses.

Location

West Xiaolu, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province