Former Residence of Huang Ren in Guanglu Alley

Former Residence of Huang Ren in Guanglu Alley

The Former Residence of Huang Ren in Guanglu Alley is a cultural heritage site protected by Fuzhou Municipality.

Former Residence of Huang Ren in Guanglu Alley

Located at No. 4 (formerly No. 1) Zaoti Lane West, Guanglu Alley, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, it originally stood on the site of the “Mozhai” studio of Xu Ouxiang, a renowned Ming Dynasty poet, calligrapher, and painter. Huang Ren, a nephew of Xu Ouxiang, studied here in his youth. After returning from government service in the ninth year of the Yongzheng reign (1731), he continued to reside here and carried out renovations. The original site covered an area of 815 square meters (currently only over 200 square meters remain).

The main structure faces south, with a width of three bays and a depth of seven columns. To the west is a lean-to veranda also facing south, consisting of a low building with three rafters. The courtyard is surrounded by orchids and irises, with elegant flowers and bamboo, books and paintings, and refined dining and attire, embodying the refined taste of a literati. Hence, the study was named “Fragrant Herb” (Xiangcao), and his literary collection was also titled after it. Additionally, as Huang Ren had a great passion for inkstones and once acquired ten ancient inkstones, which he treasured in the “Dongjing Mountain Studio” within, it is also known as the “Ten Inkstone Studio” or “Ten Inkstone Pavilion.” In the Jiaqing and Daoguang eras, it came into the possession of Lin Xuan Kai, a successful imperial examination candidate. In the first year of the Tongzhi reign (1862), it was purchased by He Luheng’s father, and brothers He Lümao and He Luheng lived here for over twenty years before it was renovated again in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign (1883). In 1992, it was designated for protection by the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government and holds certain historical and cultural value.