Nanjing Lane Money Shop

Nanjing Lane Money Shop

Nanjing Lane Money Shop is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Nanjing Lane Money Shop is located at No. 19, Nanjing Lane, North Gate, Bozhou City, Anhui Province. Originally built in the fifth year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1825), it served as the former site of a private financial institution dealing in currency and covers an area of 1,300 square meters. The Nanjing Lane Money Shop is currently the best-preserved ancient money shop architecture in China.

In May 1998, it was designated as a Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the People's Government of Anhui Province. In March 2013, it was listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the State Council. In February 2016, the Nanjing Lane Money Shop Scenic Area in Bozhou City was rated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Former Site of the Money Shop

The Nanjing Lane Money Shop Scenic Area consists of two money shops: the Nanjing Lane Money Shop built in the fifth year of the Daoguang reign (1825) and the Wantaichang Money Shop built in the ninth year of the Daoguang reign, covering a total area of 1,300 square meters. The Nanjing Lane Money Shop is the best-preserved ancient money shop architecture in China. The scenic area uses physical objects and wax figures to recreate the operational scenes of money shops at the time, while also displaying an exhibition of Chinese coins throughout history. With its white walls, black tiles, and horse-head walls, the Huizhou-style architectural features of the money shop are particularly prominent.

Vault

The vault was built in the ninth year of the Daoguang reign (1829). Its entrance measures 80 cm in length and 80 cm in width, with the bottom situated 3.6 meters above the ground. It was used by the money shop to store gold, silver, and valuables, and is also known as the "silver cellar." The uniqueness of the vault lies in making money appear "larger," a design intentionally incorporated by the money shop to symbolize prosperous business. Additionally, the interior of the money shop includes escape tunnels designed to connect the front desk to the manager’s living quarters. Though not as grand as Cao Cao’s Underground Troop Passages, these tunnels are a testament to the wisdom of ancient laborers.

Cultural Relics Value

Culture: The secret code poems displayed inside the Nanjing Lane Money Shop contain hidden meanings. On the surface, they resemble modern banking codes of ethics, but each character actually serves as an internal code for the money shop. This comprehensive financial management system once impressed many Western management experts. The Nanjing Lane Money Shop was one of the earlier branches established by the Shanxi “Pingyao Gang” banking firms in Anhui, with financial operations spanning across the country. It significantly facilitated capital flow and turnover in Bozhou and even nationwide, making major contributions to the rise and development of national industry and commerce during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period. The money shop currently houses historical exhibits on the rise and development of Bozhou’s money shops, holding significant historical and research value for the study of the history of money shops and commercial architecture in modern times.

Architecture: The Nanjing Lane Money Shop preserves a spatial layout consisting of one scenic area, two money shops, and three generations of architecture. Within the scenic area, there are money shop buildings from the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, as well as a modern-style building used as a museum.

Modern Western-style Building. The Nanjing Lane Money Shop holds significant importance for the study of ancient architecture’s fire prevention, theft prevention, and architectural styles. It is also one of the largest money shop scenic areas in the Central Plains region.

Featured Activities

Throwing the Embroidered Ball: To attract visitors and boost popularity, the Nanjing Lane Money Shop Scenic Area taps into folk stories, using staff to play leading roles and inviting tourists to participate in interactive activities for prizes. Multiple performances of the classical “Throwing the Embroidered Ball for Marriage” drama have drawn large crowds, enlivened the tourist site, and added depth and excitement through this novel experience.

God of Wealth Arrives: Visitors can ask the “God of Wealth” for a red envelope by answering questions. The God of Wealth is a unique figure in traditional Chinese culture, and people often hope to invite him into their homes during the New Year.

Protected Area: 3 meters outside the main structure of the building.

Construction Control Zone: East to 15 meters east of Nanjing Lane, south to Liren Street, west to Mingqing Road, north to Old Brick Street.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level