Dongzha Huiyuan Pawnshop

Dongzha Huiyuan Pawnshop

Changfeng Street in central Wuzhen is a traditional commercial street. Among its shops is Huiyuan Pawnshop, located between Yingjia Bridge and Nanhua Bridge. With a five-bay facade, upper and lower floors, and a tall counter (1.8 meters high), it presents an imposing sight. Introducing...

Introduction

Wuzhen is located at the junction of two provinces, three prefectures, and seven counties, serving as the commercial hub of the surrounding area. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the four sections of Wuzhen—east, west, south, and north—were interconnected, “with thriving people and abundant goods, and residences and gardens surpassing those of other towns.” At its peak, Wuzhen had up to 13 pawnshops, and even before the Taiping Rebellion, there were still 7.

During the battles between the Taiping Army and Qing forces, the western and northern sections of Wuzhen suffered severe damage, leaving ruins everywhere.

In the early years of the Republic of China, as Wuzhen’s economy began to recover slightly, pawnshops also made a comeback, increasing to five: Baochang Pawnshop in Dongzha, Baosheng Pawnshop in Nanzha, Fengtai Pawnshop in Xizha, Chuntai Pawnshop in Beizha, and Huiyuan Pawnshop in central Wuzhen.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the first four either closed due to losses, were looted by lake bandits, or shut down because of economic depression and sluggish markets. By 1931, only Huiyuan Pawnshop remained operational. During the Japanese invasion, it only accepted outgoing pawned items and soon ceased business altogether.

After Huiyuan Pawnshop closed, the history of Wuzhen’s pawnshops came to an end. Today, the remaining shop serves as a microcosm of China’s financial industry in the old days, with its rusted iron doors preserving countless stories of sorrow and solemnity.

Time Needed

15 minutes

Transportation

Within walking distance in the East Scenic Area

Admission

Included in the East Scenic Area ticket

Opening Hours

May to National Day Golden Week: 7:20 – 18:00 (Mao Dun’s Former Residence and Lizhi Academy: 8:00 – 17:30)

After National Day Golden Week to April: 7:20 – 17:30 (Mao Dun’s Former Residence and Lizhi Academy: 8:00 – 17:00)

Location

Changfeng Street, Central Wuzhen, Wuzhen, Jiaxing, Zhejiang (between Yingjia Bridge and Nanhua Bridge)

Wuzhen Town: A historic water town in the Jiangnan region, known for its cultural heritage and status as a famous tourist destination.

For many years, generations of Wuzhen residents have lived quietly on this fertile land, crafting happy lives with their diligence and wisdom. Since opening to the public as a tourist town in 2001, Wuzhen’s once-quiet streets and alleys have welcomed streams of domestic and international visitors, quickly propelling this Jiangnan town to fame both at home and abroad. The unprecedented growth of the tourism industry has also driven the development of Wuzhen’s primary and secondary sectors. In recent years, the Wuzhen Town Party Committee and government... Wuzhen Town Detailed Information++