Memorial Hall of Zhao Puchu

Memorial Hall of Zhao Puchu

The Memorial Hall of Zhao Puchu serves as a patriotic education base.

Taihu County is situated in the southwestern border area of Anhui Province, at the southern foot of the Dabie Mountains. Blessed with beautiful mountains and rivers, a thriving cultural scene, a pleasant environment, and enchanting scenery, it is a truly idyllic destination. The distinguished Buddhist scholar Mr. Zhao Puchu spent a memorable childhood on this beautiful land. A native of Taihu, he left home at a young age and devoted his entire life to Buddhism and charitable causes. He was a world-renowned poet, calligrapher, social activist, and prominent patriotic religious leader. He integrated the Buddhist spirit of "benefiting sentient beings and glorifying the nation" into the construction of a harmonious society, promoting "Humanistic Buddhism." He contributed his lifelong wisdom and efforts to the flourishing of Buddhism and the harmonious development of society.

The Memorial Hall of Zhao Puchu is located on the west side of Zhao Puchu Cultural Park in Siquan Town, Taihu County. It was constructed starting in 2001 to commemorate the eminent Buddhist scholar Mr. Zhao Puchu. The building replicates the architectural style and structure of a traditional scholar-official’s residence, covering an area of 60,000 square meters with a construction area of 2,640 square meters. It follows the residential style of the Qing Dynasty, featuring white walls, black tiles, horse-head walls, bluestone-paved inner courtyards, latticed windows and doors, wooden pillars, exposed roof boards, and an overall classic, serene, and elegant appearance. The layout follows a "three-courtyard" and "three-row" plan. A pair of bluestone lions stands guard at the entrance, with a bluestone drum base on the west side and an official welcoming platform along with a well on the east side. The backyard includes a stable and a garden. The memorial hall consists of 34 rooms of various sizes, functionally divided into a central hall, ancestral hall, study room, living quarters, and seven exhibition halls. These seven exhibition halls revolve around the 93-year life journey of Master Zhao, using Buddhist culture as a backdrop, vividly and comprehensively showcasing Taihu’s landscapes, cultural legacy, and Buddhist heritage, the history of the Zhao family, major social connections, Master Zhao’s childhood, educational path, anti-Japanese salvation activities, contributions to building New China, and his journey to becoming a Buddhist leader. They also highlight his lifetime dedication and outstanding contributions to the nation, the people, the Buddhist cause, and even global peace, as well as his close and cooperative relationship with the Communist Party of China through thick and thin. The exhibits are rich and detailed, making it a valuable resource for patriotic education.

Since its opening, the Memorial Hall of Zhao Puchu has received an average of 200,000 domestic and international visitors annually, earning widespread acclaim and achieving significant social impact.