Former Residence of Zhang Henshui in Rifeng

Former Residence of Zhang Henshui in Rifeng

The Former Residence of Zhang Henshui in Rifeng is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Zhang Henshui was a renowned Chinese modern journalist and writer, revered as the "master of traditional episodic novels" and the "king of popular literature" in the history of modern Chinese literature. In 1905, at the age of just 10, Zhang Henshui lived in Lichuan, Jiangxi, with his parents for a year.

The former residence of Zhang Henshui is situated at Nanjin Wharf at the foot of Xinfeng Bridge on the old street of Lichuan County town. Back then, Lichuan was an important transportation hub and goods distribution center for both Fujian and Jiangxi provinces. The old street was built along the river, bustling with water traffic and dotted with numerous wharves. The government set up a likin checkpoint at Nanjin Wharf to collect taxes on timber, bamboo, and salt. Zhang Henshui’s father was transferred to Xincheng to serve as a salt tax officer. At that time, tax collection was carried out on-site at the wharf, so the Zhang family lived in this small wooden building at the Nanjin ferry crossing.

This two-story wooden building, featuring the architectural style of traditional southern Yangtze River residences, has a history of 150 years and covers an area of about 300 square meters. Upon entering the main gate of the building, you’ll find a spacious yet somewhat dimly lit hall, which can accommodate eight banquet tables. The floor is paved with hemp slab stones. To the right of the hall is a small courtyard that provides lighting and drainage. To the left of the hall are three connected rooms, with windows overlooking the Nanjin ferry crossing. Opening the windows, one can clearly hear the rushing waters of the Li River and the bustle from the wharf. Behind the door to the right of the hall, there is a dark wooden staircase. Ascending the stairs, you’ll find another hall on the second floor, even brighter than the one below. On either side of the hall are two smaller side rooms. Beyond the hall lies a stilted wooden structure. From the wooden building, one can gaze into the distance at the undulating mountains, winding rivers, majestic ancient bridges, giant boats spinning along the riverbanks, and the lush green seedlings in the fields… This quintessentially southern Chinese landscape painting became the “dreamlike Jiangnan” that Mr. Zhang Henshui would fondly remember for the rest of his life.

Around November 1905, following the death of Zhang Henshui’s grandmother, he returned to his ancestral home in Qianshan, Anhui, with his father. Thus, he bid farewell to Lichuan. The small building continued to serve as an official office until the Republican era, when it was briefly converted into a paper trading shop. As a result, the words “Longchang Paper Shop” can still faintly be seen on the left wall of the building’s main entrance.

In the renovation and restoration plan for Lichuan Old Street, the protection and restoration of the “Former Residence of Zhang Henshui” have been listed as key projects. Following the principle of “restoring the old as it was,” the original appearance of the residence is being revived, and a “Zhang Henshui Memorial Hall” is being built on the site of the former residence. The project has received support and assistance from Zhang Henshui’s children and other relatives, as well as domestic scholars and experts specializing in the study of Zhang Henshui.

Connected to the former residence is the “Cangbai Tower,” which houses an exhibition on the life and literary works of Zhang Henshui.

The former residence is built along the river, facing Xinfeng Bridge and Henggang Bridge. The Sheping River and the Xiongcun River converge here, forming the golden waterway known as the Litan River. With its beautiful scenery and an abundance of natural charm, it has become the most picturesque spot along Lichuan’s Ming and Qing-era old street.

Further reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units