Qingteng Study (Liuhua Study)

Qingteng Study (Liuhua Study)

Qingteng Study (Liuhua Study) is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

A tranquil little garden with two old-style cottages, Qingteng Study, located in Dacheng Lane, Qianguan Alley, Shaoxing, attracts visitors from China and abroad with its unique charm. This is the birthplace and study place of Xu Wei (Wenchang), one of China’s top ten ancient painters. Here you can not only view the immortal works of this brilliant artist and writer, but also learn about the unyielding character of this humorous master who refused to flatter the powerful and the ups and downs of his life. Qingteng Study, originally named Liuhua Study, was renamed by Xu Wei. The study faces south and consists of two rooms with stone-pillared walls, a gable-and-hip roof, and wooden lattice windows. The front room faces south, with a small courtyard outside the window, where a green vine grows on the west side; the back room faces north and is now used as an exhibition room for Xu Wei’s cultural relics.

Originally named Liuhua Study, Qingteng Study was the residence of Xu Wei, one of the Three Great Talents of the Ming Dynasty. Compared to the bustling market nearby, this place feels like a Zen sanctuary. Upon entering, there is a gable wall inscribed with the three characters “自在岩” (Free and Easy Rock). Walking along the path, you’ll see a courtyard, a vine climbing along the wall, and a square pond (also called Tianchi). The study windows face the square pond, which is supported by a central pillar inscribed with the words “中流砥柱” (Pillar in the Midstream). Purified by the pond and the vine, the study is, as Xu Wei described himself, “untainted by a speck of dust,” where even this small space resonates with his character.

Tip: Especially suitable for visitors who enjoy calligraphy, painting, or historical figures. Souvenirs include reproductions of paintings and calligraphy, as well as collections of legendary tales.

Address: No. 10, Dacheng Lane, Qianguan Alley, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City

Type: Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: 15–20 minutes

Phone: 0575-85134986

Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00

Transportation

Bus: Take bus No. 2 or 4, or the east route of the tourist sightseeing bus from the train station, get off at the intersection of Lu Xun Road, and walk 200 meters

Ticket

5 RMB, 2 RMB with student ID

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units