Former Residence of Wu Jie

Former Residence of Wu Jie

The Former Residence of Wu Jie is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Former Residence of Wu Jie was built within the town of Zhenhai County and consists of an eastern and a western courtyard, both constructed with wooden structures, covering a total area of approximately 2,000 square meters.

The western courtyard is located at No. 26 Shengli Road and was built in the 12th year of the Guangxu reign (1886). It is composed of a front and rear section along with two wing rooms, with a construction area of about 440 square meters. The front section features a platform-style brick-carved main gate situated along the central axis, with connected gatehouse and left and right wing rooms. The main building is a three-room high-rise structure with side passageways, spanning 16.35 meters in width and 12.16 meters in depth across eight columns. All house posts and beams use the chuandou-style construction. It has broad eaves, and components such as brackets, arches, and crescent beams are all exquisitely carved. The front and rear areas have stone-paved courtyards, with flower stands arranged in the rear courtyard. Originally, there were three side rooms to the west used as a kitchen, which were demolished due to the expansion of Shengli Road. The rear section served as a flower hall, featuring a three-room high-rise structure and two side rooms, with flower stands in the courtyard. The doors, windows, and other components are relatively novel, making it a place where Wu Jie received guests and hosted banquets.

The eastern courtyard is located at No. 36 Renmin Road and was built after Wu Jie’s reinstatement, during the 21st year of the Guangxu reign (1895), with a construction area of 572 square meters. It consists of two units. The front unit served as quarters for staff, facing west and situated eastward, comprising four rooms over four bays in depth, with an outer gate tower and a pathway leading to the main house. The inner unit’s main house is a three-room high-rise building facing south and situated northward, along with side passageways, spanning 18.45 meters in width and 9.84 meters in depth. The posts and beams use the chuandou-style construction, with broad eaves, a coiled-canopy style veranda, and components such as brackets, crescent beams, and cat beams all intricately carved with various patterns, coated in gold lacquer, giving it a rather luxurious appearance. The front features a large stone-paved courtyard and a brick-carved platform-style gate, exuding an official aura.

Wu Jie, courtesy name Jiren, was originally from She County, Anhui. In his childhood, he moved with his father to Longyou, Zhejiang. He lost his father at the age of 13 and was taken in by the wealthy Jiang family. After the Taiping Army captured Longyou, he enlisted in Zuo Zongtang’s army, fought against the Taiping forces in Fujian and Zhejiang, and was awarded the rank of Dusi for his “meritorious service,” serving as the acting Qianzong of Changshan. In the 4th year of the Guangxu reign (1878), when artillery forts were established at Zhenhai Estuary, he was ordered to transfer to Zhenhai to serve as the fort’s defender. He was known for maintaining strict discipline among his troops, keeping the artillery well-maintained, conducting efficient drills, and earning the respect and trust of his soldiers.

Address: Intersection of Shengli Road and Renmin Road, Zhenhai District, Ningbo City

Type: Historic Residence of a Celebrity

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Ticket Information:

Free admission.

Wu Jie (1834–1910), courtesy name Jiren, was originally from She County, Anhui. His parents moved to Longyou, Zhejiang, in search of a better life due to poverty and settled in Longyou County. When Wu Jie was 13, his father passed away, and the young Wu Jie learned the trade of painting and lacquering. Later, he was taken in by Jiang Maohuai, a wealthy and respected man from Gaoshan Village in the eastern part of Longyou, also known as "Nainan Xiang," who employed him to paint and also take care of horses. On May 26 of the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign (1861), Jiang Maohuai organized a local militia to resist the Taiping Army. Due to Wu Jie’s strength and interest in martial arts and horseback riding, he was recruited into the team as a groom. On that day, Jiang Maohuai was in the Luolin Gang area of southern Longyou... More details about Wu Jie ++