Republican-Era Grand Courtyard

Republican-Era Grand Courtyard

The Republican-Era Grand Courtyard, located to the south of Xikou, backs onto Bijia Mountain and is adjacent to Qinglong Mountain, facing the former residence of the Chiang family across the stream. With the mission of preserving and passing on traditional folk culture while educating through entertainment, the courtyard vividly recreates 360 trades from China’s modern era, the working scenes of traditional folk workshops, and integrates diverse social classes and professions, reflecting the production, lifestyle, customs, sentiments, and cultural characteristics of southern Jiangnan. One town embodies the history of the Chiang family, and one courtyard condenses the spirit of the Republican Era. Open to the public, the Republican-Era Grand Courtyard authentically revives the bustling streets of Xinan’s past—everything remains as it was, warm and moving.

The southern bank of the Shancheng River, where the Republican-Era Grand Courtyard is situated, is the cradle of eastern Zhejiang’s folk culture. “Wine banners and theater drums in Xinan market, how many travelers forget to return home”—this line captures the lively prosperity of Xinan during the late Qing Dynasty. As a child, Chiang Kai-shek often played here, leaving many traces, and thus the area was once hailed as the “land of his rise” for the Chiang family.

Here you can find a wealth of internal graphic materials and precious exhibits related to Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling; meanwhile, the Seven Sages’ Teaching Field, the Jiazi Hall, and the Arhat Hall feature statues associated with Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, vividly interpreting the profound essence of China’s three teachings.

In the performance hall of the “Variety Arts Stage,” the intangible cultural heritage of folk performing arts shines brilliantly; the corridor-style traditional workshop street is like a living version of the Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature).

Here, all corners of the world converge—the charming Republican-Era songs and dances such as “Night Shanghai” and “Night Fragrance,” the dazzling ancient performances like the banner acrobatics and belly-cart rides, the astonishing folk dramas like shadow puppetry and puppet shows, and the thrilling cockfighting and dogfighting displays all offer spectacular and awe-inspiring experiences. Use a Qing Dynasty fire engine to put out fires, ride an old-fashioned rail car, try the “carp leaping over the dragon gate” attraction, or take part in a stage fight, helmsman contest, or tug-of-war at departure—all heart-pounding and met with thunderous applause.

In the indoor collection area, you can not only see rare treasures such as seldom-seen late Qing-era cameras, Queen Victoria-era clocks, and traditional Chinese farming, fishing, and weaving tools, but also appreciate the profound culture of China’s Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Stroll along the commercial workshop street to experience nearly extinct traditional crafts like papermaking, brewing, oil pressing, and blacksmithing. Pop into the folk snack stalls, where Jiangnan treats like ginger candy, freshly pounded rice cakes, soft and firm tofu are all available. The Republican-Era Grand Courtyard ensures you come with joy and leave with delight, experiencing the turbulence of the Republican Era through entertainment and appreciating the richness of diverse trades during your leisure. Come to the Republican-Era Grand Courtyard and step into the memories of the Republican Era, discovering the true stories your grandparents once told you.

Address: No. 265, Xinan Road, Xikou Town, Fenghua City, Ningbo

Type: Museum

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0574-88852566

Opening Hours:

07:30–17:15

Ticket Information:

Adult ticket: 50 RMB; children under 1.1 meters enter free, those above 1.1 meters pay adult fare; seniors over 70, military personnel, and others with valid ID enjoy a 50% discount