Wu Gengmin Memorial Hall

Wu Gengmin Memorial Hall

The memorial hall of Mr. Wu Gengmin, a founding figure in China’s horticulture, is located in Zhouxiang Town, Cixi City, his hometown. This small and exquisitely designed classical-style garden allows visitors to explore the remarkable achievements of his lifetime.

Approaching this classic Chinese garden architecture, the six large characters “吴耕民纪念馆” (Wu Gengmin Memorial Hall) hang above the main gate, inscribed by Xue Ju, former Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. The two dark red doors facing south are adorned with bronze knockers in the shape of mythical beasts. The surrounding white-walled, black-tiled fence features decorative lattice windows, with bluestone used at the base—a typical style of gardens in the Jiangnan region. Upon entering, you’ll find a tranquil courtyard with a two-story building topped with a hip-and-gable roof directly ahead. Looking up, a plaque inscribed with “仰贤楼” (Hall of Revering the Virtuous) hangs high, evoking a sense of reverence. This building serves as the main structure of the memorial hall. On the first floor, a half-length bronze statue of Mr. Wu Gengmin stands in the hall, where exhibits also showcase his life story and his outstanding contributions to China’s horticultural industry. Mr. Wu Gengmin lived a long life and joined the Communist Party of China at the age of 90. The numerous artifacts and photographs on display all highlight the remarkable achievements and noble character of this professor from Zhejiang Agricultural University, a founding father of horticulture in China. To the southwest of the main building lies a clear pond with visible bottom, surrounded by lake stones. Lush grass and weeping willows sway gently by the water, creating an elegant atmosphere. Strolling through the courtyard, paying homage to this esteemed figure, and reflecting upon his legacy through the displayed items offers profound inspiration.

Wu Gengmin (1896–1991), a renowned horticulturist and horticultural educator, was one of the founding figures of modern horticulture in China. He dedicated his life to horticultural education, participated in establishing the first horticulture departments in Chinese higher education institutions, and trained several generations of horticultural professionals. Applying modern horticultural science, he investigated and organized the production experiences of fruit and vegetable farming in China, and promoted both domestic and international horticultural varieties and cultivation techniques. He had profound expertise in the cultivation of temperate and subtropical fruit trees in China, particularly in the theory and techniques of fruit tree pruning. He authored numerous works, including *General Theory of Fruit Horticulture* and *China… More details about Wu Gengmin++

Zhouxiang Town: Located on the shores of the East China Sea, on the southern coast of Hangzhou Bay in the Ningbo-Shaoxing Plain, Zhouxiang Town borders the Hangzhou–Ningbo Expressway and the Xiaoshan–Ningbo Railway to the south, and faces Shanghai across the sea to the north. It lies at the center of the economic golden triangle formed by Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo. National Highway 329 runs east-west through the town. It is 300 kilometers from Shanghai, 60 kilometers from Ningbo Port, 50 kilometers from Ningbo Lishe Airport, and 100 kilometers from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.

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