Former Residence of Zhao Mengfu

Former Residence of Zhao Mengfu

The Former Residence of Zhao Mengfu is a cultural heritage site protected at the municipal level in Huzhou.

The Former Residence of Zhao Mengfu Memorial Museum was reconstructed from the original site of Zhao Mengfu’s residence. It is located on the west side of Yuehe Bridge on Suoqian Street in Huzhou City, by Sunyaha Head (south of Gantang Bridge). In 1994, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the Huzhou Municipal Government under the name “Former Residence of Zhao Mengfu,” and was renamed the “Former Residence of Zhao Mengfu Site” in 2003.

The memorial began protective renovation in the first half of 2009, was completed in the first half of 2011, and officially opened to the public in January 2012. The exhibition area covers 4,500 square meters, with a building area of approximately 2,000 square meters. It is currently the largest ancient Song-style architectural complex in Huzhou that combines residences and courtyards.

The exhibition, themed “Endless Waves,” vividly showcases Zhao Mengfu’s life, his philosophy of pursuing freedom, and his artistic aspirations through paintings, stone carvings, documentaries, and other forms.

The exhibition is divided into two halls and five sections: “Noble Descendant of the Song, Inhabitant of the Crystal Palace,” “Summoned to the Yuan Court, Amidst Autumn Colors at Quehua,” “Confucian Scholar-Official, Leader in Calligraphy, Painting, and Seal Carving,” “Dignitary of Honor, Composing Golden Melodies in the Deep Palace,” and “Returning Home, Soul Resting in Azure Glass.” It mainly introduces Zhao Mengfu’s life and major historical events such as the “Eight Eminent Scholars of Wuxing” and “Loyal and Righteous Political Discourse,” as well as analyses of his representative artworks from various periods, such as “Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains” and “Water Village.”

The completion of the memorial has made a positive contribution to better restoring the original appearance of Zhao Mengfu’s residence and preserving the site of his former home. It also provides a platform for promoting Huzhou’s cultural and artistic heritage, as well as for exchanging and appreciating Zhao Mengfu’s artistic achievements, earning widespread acclaim.

Source: Lushan District Annals

Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322), courtesy name Ziyang, also known as Songxue Daoren (Pine Snow Taoist) and Shuijinggong Daoren (Crystal Palace Taoist). He was the eleventh-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, and a descendant of Prince Qi, Zhao Defang. After the fall of the Song Dynasty, in the 23rd year of the Yuan Dynasty’s Zhiyuan era (1286), Zhao Mengfu was recommended to Kublai Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, and gained his favor. He was appointed as a Langzhong (a fifth-rank official) in the Ministry of War, and two years later became a Jijiu Zhixueshi (a fourth-rank official) of the Jixian Academy. In the 29th year of Zhiyuan (1292), he served as the Prefect of Jinan Road. In the first year of Yuanshun (1295), following the death of Kublai Khan, Emperor Chengzong ordered the compilation of the “Veritable Records of Emperor Shizu,” and Zhao Mengfu was recalled to the capital. In the third year of Zhi… More details about Zhao Mengfu++

Chaoyang Subdistrict: Located in Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. It governs:

330502002009 111 Chezhan Community

330502002010 111 Chaoyin Community

330502002011 111 Ding’an Community

330502002012 111 Yizi Bridge Community

330502002015 111 Dushi Jiayuan Community

330502002016 111 Hongfeng No. 2 Community

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