Former Residence of Yu Qiaqing

Former Residence of Yu Qiaqing

The former residence of Yu Qiaqing is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Tianshutang, the former residence of the renowned Shengjiang figure Yu Qiaqing, was built in 1919, with the name meaning “to narrate the joy of family harmony.” It is an outstanding example of modern architecture, organically combining traditional Chinese architectural culture with foreign architectural influences. It stands as a successful fusion of Eastern and Western styles in modern architecture, harmoniously nestled within the rural architectural environment of southern China, and holds high historical, scientific, and artistic value.

The Tianshutang faces east and sits to the west. A sparkling river flows past its front. Smooth bluestone slabs pave the pond and pathway in an orderly fashion. A vermilion-painted gate adorned with iron rings is set within towering walls. The entire building complex covers an area of 13,700 square meters, featuring well-arranged pavilions, winding paths through serene courtyard gardens, and a blend of the essence of both Chinese and Western architectural styles. Its unique construction is truly breathtaking.

The Tianshutang has a total width of 59 meters and a depth of 94 meters, divided into two relatively independent sections consisting of five connected courtyards. A straight central axis gives the overall layout a clear hierarchy and vivid charm. The first three courtyards were built in 1916 and are traditional wooden structures, consisting of a screen wall, main gate, hall, rear building, and wing rooms. The essence of ethnic culture is fully displayed here. Whether it's the beams, bracket arms, dougong (bracket sets), or door lintels, they are all carved with traditional motifs such as phoenixes and peonies, the Three Friends of Winter, and stories from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms — vivid and lifelike in both form and spirit. The central area of the main hall originally featured a plaque inscribed with “Tianshutang,” flanked by plaques inscribed by Li Yuanhong and Yu Youren. Together with a complete set of rosewood furniture, antiques, curios, and calligraphy and paintings by famous figures, they created an atmosphere of refined elegance.

The Yu Family Ancestral Home Tianshutang is now a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Yu Qiaqing (1867–1945) was born in Shanzhai Village, Longshan Town, Cixi, Zhejiang Province. In his early years, he became an apprentice in Shanghai. During the May Fourth Movement, he went into the streets to persuade shops to reopen. In 1920, he co-founded the Shanghai Securities and Commodities Exchange and served as its chairman. In 1923, he was elected president of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce. During the War of Resistance against Japan, he remained steadfastly patriotic. After the Japanese occupied the concessions, he went to Chongqing to manage transport along the Burma Road in support of the war effort. He passed away in Chongqing on April 26, 1945, and was buried in his hometown of Longshan.

Childhood Anecdotes

Yu Qiaqing was born in 1867 into a poor family. His father’s name was Wan… More details about Yu Qiaqing ++