Jiang-Zhe Branch Office

Jiang-Zhe Branch Office

In the Ming Dynasty, the Jiang-Zhe Branch Office was called the Zhe-Zhi Branch Office, a uniquely established government body in Wuzhen’s history. It was responsible for salt inspection and pirate suppression, as well as handling local legal disputes, commonly known as the “Second Prefecture Yamen.” Established during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty and abolished in the early years of the Republic of China, it underwent several reforms and relocations, operating for over 370 years.

In 2004, the Jiang-Zhe Branch Office was rebuilt on its original site to replicate its appearance during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, preserving historical relics. Among its exhibits are rooms such as the courtroom, prison, torture chamber, clerk’s office, and driver’s quarters, as well as simulated execution scenes that offer a glimpse into ancient administrative and daily life.

History:

Wuzhen is located at the junction of two provinces, three prefectures, and seven counties, with a dense population, crisscrossing rivers, and complex governance, making it prone to crime. In the 19th year of the Ming Jiajing reign (1540), an additional judicial officer, or tongpan, was appointed to oversee the area, with an office established east of Pujing Temple, known as the Addendum Office.

In the 3rd year of the Wanli reign (1575), due to rampant salt smuggling and piracy around Wuzhen, the position of zongbu tongzhi (chief criminal magistrate) was created, with an official imperial seal reading “Commissioner for Patrol, Salt Inspection, and Pirate Suppression.” This officer was permanently stationed in Wuzhen, dedicated to capturing criminals, managing water conservancy and salt laws, handling general legal cases, eliminating malpractice, and bringing nearby prefectures and counties under his jurisdiction. The existing office was expanded and renamed the Zhe-Zhi Branch Office.

In the early Qing Dynasty, the Ming-established system was retained but experienced multiple rises and declines. In the 10th year of the Xianfeng reign (1860), the main hall was destroyed during wartime; it was renovated in the 4th year of the Tongzhi reign (1864). After the founding of the Republic of China, the office of tongzhi was abolished, leaving the yamen vacant. In the 4th year of the Republic (1915), it was sold to private owners, the buildings were dismantled, and it gradually became residential housing.

Address: No. 466 Longyuan Road, Wuzhen, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing (near the entrance/exit of West Scenic Zone)

Type: Historical Architecture

Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5–1 hour

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included with the West Scenic Zone ticket: West Scenic Zone 120 RMB, East & West Scenic Zone Joint Ticket 150 RMB