Former Site of Hubei Provincial Library

Former Site of Hubei Provincial Library

The former site of Hubei Provincial Library is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The former site of Hubei Provincial Library is located at No. 45 Wuluo Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan. The Hubei Provincial Library was first established in the 30th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1904), initiated by Zhang Zhidong. At that time, the library was situated on the west side of Lanling Street in Wuchang (now Jiefang Road); in 1908, it moved to the former campus building of Boone Memorial School on the east side of Lanling Street (now in Wuchang District-); in February 1934, the provincial government decided to build a new library. In June of the same year, the site was chosen at the open space under the Baobing Hall on Snake Hill in Wuchang (the current location). On October 1, 1935, the foundation of the new library was laid, and it was completed in July 1936, with a construction area of 2,572 square meters, built by Yuan Ruipai Construction Company. During the Battle of Wuhan in 1938, the site served as the headquarters of the Military Committee of the Nationalist Government.

The library is a typical example of modern architecture in the style of Chinese traditional revival. Its interior features a reinforced concrete structure, while the exterior showcases strong traditional architectural characteristics, including a large hip-and-gable roof covered with glazed tiles, green tiles with upturned eaves, and stone bracket sets and beam components beneath the eaves. Elements such as pilasters and cornice moldings on the façade reflect the incorporation of Western design. The main building of the library has a protruding rectangular shape, facing south, with the central section of the main façade being three stories high and the symmetrical sides two stories high. The exterior walls are finished with washed stone, featuring wooden doors and steel windows. The first floor uses a grid-style beam frame, with painted designs inside the grids, giving the ceiling an effect similar to the traditional "pingqi" ceiling technique. The interior features colored terrazzo decorations on the baseboards, stair railings, and floors. The entire building is dignified and magnificent, serving as a fine example of the integration of new materials, technologies, and traditional Chinese forms at the time.

Hubei Provincial Library is one of China’s early purpose-built library structures and holds significant historical value. The building features a solemn and refined design with a distinctive style, exemplifying the perfect blend of old and new, East and West, and is of high artistic value.

In May 2013, the State Council (State Council Document [2013] No. 13) announced the former site of Hubei Provincial Library as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Group of Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units