Former Residence of Yuan Muzhi

Former Residence of Yuan Muzhi

The former residence of Yuan Muzhi is a municipal-level cultural heritage site in Ningbo.

The former residence of Yuan Muzhi is located at No. 1 Yangjiaqiao Lane, South Suburb, Haishu District. In 2003, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the Ningbo Municipal People's Government.

The main building of the former residence of Yuan Muzhi faces east and sits westward. Its north and south exterior walls feature five-tiered horse-head walls that are tall and majestic, sitting atop rectangular bluestone foundations. The lintel of the blue stone door frame is adorned with carvings on both sides. Passing through an arched gateway over 1.6 meters wide and more than 2 meters deep—with decorative elements on either side—you’ll find a late Qing Dynasty building built in a “five-bay, two-corridor, gable-and-hip roof” style, featuring a bright central courtyard. Although the residence has suffered from years of disrepair, with paint peeling off wooden pillars and moss covering aged walls, one can still appreciate the refined construction, detailed sculptures, well-arranged elevations, and harmonious layout characteristic of late Qing residential architecture. The beams and pillars are adorned with wood carvings that integrate literature, painting, calligraphy, and carving craftsmanship, showcasing high artistic value.

Yuan Muzhi (1909–1978), a renowned actor, screenwriter, director, and film industry pioneer. His original name was Yuan Jialai, and he was born in Ningbo, Zhejiang. During his middle school years, Yuan Muzhi participated in plays organized by the Drama Cooperative Society led by Hong Shen. He later attended Soochow University, where he performed in stage plays such as Uncle Vanya.

In 1930, he left school to pursue a career in theater, starring in plays such as Five-Ram Bridge, Song of Revival, and Roar, China!, and founded the monthly magazine Theatre. He was skilled at portraying a variety of characters on stage, earning the nickname “The Man of a Thousand Faces.” He also authored works such as Stage Makeup Techniques and On Acting... More details about Yuan Muzhi ++