Su Dongpo Memorial Hall

Su Dongpo Memorial Hall

Su Dongpo served two terms as an official in Hangzhou, during which he not only produced a wealth of well-known literary masterpieces but also left behind stories of his dedication to governance and love for the people.

In addition to Su Causeway, other sites directly associated with Su Shi include Wanghu Tower at the foot of Baochu Hill, inscriptions on Dama Ling, Guoxi Pavilion by Longjing’s stream, and the Ganhua Rock Poetry Stele on Wushan Mountain. His writings about West Lake have become an indispensable part of the historical and cultural heritage of the lake.

The Su Dongpo Memorial Hall is located at the southern end of Su Causeway and consists of three parts: a courtyard, an exhibition hall, and the Dongpo World Garden.

The garden is enclosed by low bamboo fences, with lush flowers and trees and dancing shadows of bamboo, and in the center stands a full-body granite statue of Su Dongpo.

The exhibition hall has two floors. The downstairs area showcases Su Dongpo’s achievements in governance while in Hangzhou, highlighting his relief efforts for disaster victims, dredging of the Six Wells, excavation of canals, and restoration of West Lake.

The upstairs area introduces Su Dongpo’s accomplishments in literature and art, especially the poetry and prose he created during his time in Hangzhou. The entire exhibition hall features a series of innovative display methods, including ink animation, dynamic light boxes, and accompanied recitations of classical poetry.

In the Dongpo Art Garden at the back, visitors can purchase rubbings, reproductions of Su Dongpo’s calligraphy and paintings, as well as poetic paintings inspired by his works.

Transportation:

Under the big tree on the left side of the Su Causeway entrance, take bus No. 4 and get off at the Su Causeway stop.

Su Shi (1037–1101), courtesy name Zizhan, also known as Dongpo Jushi, was from Meishan in Meizhou (now part of Sichuan). His family had a strong literary tradition—his grandfather Su Xu loved reading and was skilled in poetry. His father, Su Xun, was a renowned classical prose writer who personally guided both Su Shi and his younger brother Su Zhe. Their mother, Lady Cheng, was educated and principled, once telling young Su Shi the story of Fan Pang from the *Book of the Later Han · Biography of Fan Pang*, using the deeds of ancient virtuous men to encourage him to uphold integrity. By the time Su Shi was 21 and left Sichuan for the capital, his knowledge and cultivation were already quite mature.

Su Shi was highly knowledgeable and open-minded in thought... More detailed information about Su Shi ++