Former Residence of Qiu Jin in Shaoxing

Former Residence of Qiu Jin in Shaoxing

The Former Residence of Qiu Jin is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Facing south and built against a hill, this was where Qiu Jin once studied literature and practiced martial arts, spending her girlhood here. After returning to her hometown in 1906, it became an important site for her revolutionary activities. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the residence underwent several renovations and was designated as a provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit. On January 13, 1988, the State Council approved its inclusion in the third batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units. The former residence was originally part of the villa of Zhu Geng, a grand secretary during the Ming Dynasty.

The residence has five courtyards. The first is the entrance hall, the second consists of three single-story rooms plus a two-story building, which served as Qiu Jin’s living quarters. The remaining three courtyards were the residences of Qiu Jin’s mother, elder brother, and others. The second courtyard, where Qiu Jin lived, includes a guest hall, meeting room, dining room, and bedroom. It was here that she received comrades and secretly discussed plans for uprisings. The back wall of the bedroom is a hidden partition wall, inside of which is a secret room where Qiu Jin stored weapons and documents. The residence has been renovated multiple times, and exhibition rooms displaying historical materials about Qiu Jin have been set up in the third and fourth courtyards.

Above the main gate of the residence hangs a plaque inscribed with “Former Residence of Qiu Jin,” written by He Xiangning, a veteran of the Xinhai Revolution. The calligraphy is powerful and deeply expressive. Entering the residence, you’ll find a small stone-paved courtyard. Beyond the courtyard are three north-facing single-story houses and a small building. The central hall displays a plaque inscribed with “Hechang Hall,” the calligraphy refined and upright, reflecting the distinguished character of its owner. The west room contains simple furniture such as a round table and square chairs. As a girl, Qiu Jin studied poetry and prose here, especially patriotic and people-loving poems by Du Fu and Xin Qiji, which often made her ponder with her chin in hand, her heart surging with emotion. After returning from abroad in 1906, it was also here that she discussed revolutionary strategies with comrades such as Xu Xilin and Tao Chengzhang. The east room is the dining area, with a couplet gifted by her close friend Wu Zhiying hanging on the wall: “Heroes value perseverance; patriots harbor deep resolve.” Adjacent to the dining room is Qiu Jin’s bedroom, featuring an antique carved wooden bed and a desk that were actually used by the martyr. On the desk lie the Four Treasures of the Study that Qiu Jin used, along with some of her final writings written days before her sacrifice, and ivory seals engraved with “Jianhu’s Heroine” and “Qiu Guijin’s Seal.” Qiu Jin was not only a great female revolutionary but also a renowned female poet. Many of her militant essays denouncing the feudal rule of the Qing Dynasty and her patriotic poems brimming with fervor were written at this desk. Particularly eye-catching is the photo of Qiu Jin in men’s attire hanging on the wall—vigorous and captivating.

Behind Qiu Jin’s bedroom is a long, narrow secret room within a hidden partition wall, where guns, ammunition, and revolutionary documents were once hidden. It is said that after Xu Xilin’s uprising in Anqing failed and the situation turned critical, some advised Qiu Jin to go into hiding temporarily, but she refused and persisted in the struggle until she was unfortunately arrested. The local prefect Gui Fu sent people to search the residence many times, but this secret room was never discovered.

Passing through the central hall and a bright courtyard planted with flowers and trees, you’ll find three single-story houses that have now been turned into the Qiu Jin Martyr Memorial Exhibition Rooms. The first room introduces the historical background of Qiu Jin’s era and her childhood and youth. The second room displays poems, manuscripts, letters, photos, and personal items from Qiu Jin’s time in Japan. The third room showcases her achievements in revolutionary activities after returning to China.

The fourth courtyard also consists of three single-story houses, displaying memorials dedicated to Qiu Jin after her martyrdom. These include inscriptions by Premier Zhou Enlai, Sun Yat-sen, Soong Ching-ling, Wu Yuzhang, Guo Moruo, and Zhou Jianren, all of which speak highly of Qiu Jin. “In such perilous times, how can I spare myself? I am willing to sacrifice my life” (a poem by Qiu Jin). The heroic deeds of martyrs will forever be revered by later generations.

Time Needed

20 minutes

Transportation

Bus routes 13, 15, 35, 36 to Qiu Jin Former Residence Stop

Admission Fee

10 RMB

Opening Hours

8:00-17:00

Location

No. 18, Hechangtang Road, South Foot of Tashan, Yuecheng District

Qiu Jin (1875–1907), female, originally named Guijin, courtesy name Yuzhen, childhood name Yugu, later changed her name to Jin, courtesy name Xuanqing, also known as Jingxiong and Jianhu Nüxia, with the alias Hanxia Nü’er and the pen name Qiuxian. Her ancestral home was in Lizhu, Shanyin (Fuquan), Shaoxing, and she was born in Minhou County, Fujian.

The Qiu family was a prominent clan in Shanyin, with several generations of officials. From a young age, Qiu Jin loved literature and especially admired swordswomen, being bold and uninhibited. As she grew older, she learned stick fighting, boxing, horse riding, and fencing from her fourth cousin, developing a strong-willed personality. In the early summer of 1891, the 17th year of the Guangxu reign, Qiu Jin followed her grandfather Qiu Jiahe back to Shaoxing and lived in Hechangtang, south of Shaoxing city. The following year... More details about Qiu Jin ++