Former Residence of Zhu Wudian

Former Residence of Zhu Wudian

The former residence of Zhu Wudian is a cultural tourism attraction.

The former residence of Zhu Wudian is located in Shigu Town, Xiangtan County. Zhu Wudian (January 1833 – November 1890), given name Zuohui, courtesy name Kecun, was the fourth son in his family. He served as a colonel under Zuo Zongtang (1812–1885) and was posthumously honored as General Zhenwei, awarded with peacock feathers, promoted to the rank of provincial commander-in-chief, and titled Baturu. According to the “Manchu and Han Official Rank Table” in the “Rural Social Etiquette” published by Jinzhang Publishing House in 1911 during the Qing Dynasty, the rank of General Zhenwei is classified as a first-tier military official. However, according to the “Zhu Family Genealogy” of Shigu, Zhu Wudian was granted the first-tier official honor, which was bestowed upon three generations of his ancestors. In the 16th year of the Guangxu reign, he passed away from overwork while serving in Gansu. His coffin was escorted back by his troops and he was buried in Dacang Village, Dacang Mountain, Qingshanqiao Town.

There are two sites of the former residence of Zhu Wudian:

One is located in Chatuo Bay, Jiangjun Village, about 75 kilometers from downtown Xiangtan. It consists of around ten earthen-walled, thatched cottages covering an area of over 300 square meters. Zhu Wudian was born here. His father, Liancheng, had four sons, and Zhu Wudian was the youngest. Coming from a poor family, he worked in agriculture from childhood and spent a tough early life here. Although the cottages in Chatuo Bay were humble thatched huts, the location is elevated and open. Nearby are the Tiandi Temple and Jiangjun Bridge. The bridge is a single-span granite structure built in the early years of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty. Both the bridge’s name and the village name “Jiangjun” (General) derive from the two generals Zhu Wudian and Zhu Jinghan (who held the rank of provincial commander-in-chief and was a nominated general). Next to the bridge is the Chenghuang Temple. Below are the Mo Family Ancestral Hall and Liuchi Dam, with the front facing a stream at Tongliang Mountain and the back against the peaks of Yushuichong, surrounded by lush bamboo and trees, with birds chirping in the woods. There is a courtyard in front of the house, about 100 square meters wide, with a pond nearby teeming with fish and shrimp. Beside the pond stands a large willow tree with gnarled branches. Zhu Wudian and his three brothers often climbed the tree to play when they were children. The residence enjoys beautiful mountain and water scenery, offering a picturesque environment.

The other site is Huanggutang in Ouchong Village, about 70 kilometers from downtown Xiangtan. It was originally part of the property owned by the Li family, purchased by Zhu Wudian’s father, Zhu Liancheng, when the family moved in. At that time, it also consisted of around ten earthen-walled cottages. Later, through the joint efforts of Zhu Liancheng and his sons including Zhu Wudian, the residence was rebuilt into a tile-roofed earthen-brick house. Facing south with a north orientation along the central meridian line, it follows a “single-load-of-firewood” layout — one main hall with two side wings — totaling 32 rooms of various sizes, covering an area of over 1,000 square meters. The center features the main hall, which is 9.3 meters high, 4.5 meters wide, and 6 meters long. Behind the hall are a patio, a rear hall, and utility rooms. On both sides of the main hall are front and rear principal rooms, totaling 11 rooms of various sizes. Each side has its own patio, and there are two wells on the east and west sides. The wells are entirely built with granite, providing clear spring water all year round. The surrounding courtyard walls are also constructed from granite. In front of the gate are bluestone steps, and on both sides of the eaves stand square granite pillars and a granite door lintel. The couplet on the sides reads: “Heaven bestows...; the people are the foundation of the state.” The couplet on the shrine in the main hall reads: “Filial piety, fraternal duty, loyalty, and trustworthiness; propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame.” Hanging high above the central beam is a large black-lacquered plaque inscribed with four golden characters “Rui’ai Xuantang” (Auspicious Haze over the Mother’s Chamber), gifted by Zuo Zongtang, Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu, in celebration of the seventieth birthday of Madam Gong, Zhu Wudian’s mother-in-law. The wing rooms on both the east and west sides are adorned with latticed wooden doors and decorative panels. Inside, there are incense tables, vases, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and couplets, all exuding an antique charm. To the left of the wing rooms is a courtyard enclosed by walls and a small garden planted with peonies, camellias, hibiscus, butterflies (flowers), and evergreens. Strolling into the garden brings a refreshing feeling. In front of the residence is a large pond where fish and shrimp swim, suitable for fishing. To the left of the pond is a landscaped garden with ancient camphor and cypress trees casting pleasant shade, creating a delightful scene. In the garden grows a large oak tree entwined with a thick wisteria vine as thick as a bowl, coiling like a dragon up to the treetop. Children often used to sit on it to play on a swing. After being built for over a hundred years, the tile-roofed houses of Huanggutang have undergone renovations, demolitions, expansions, and extensions. Today, only the front and rear rooms of the main hall and three rooms of the left principal room retain their original appearance, though they are far less grand than before.

Zhu Wudian (January 1833 – November 1890), given name Zuohui, courtesy name Kecun, was the fourth son in his family. He served as a colonel under Zuo Zongtang (1812–1885) and was posthumously honored as General Zhenwei, awarded with peacock feathers, promoted to the rank of provincial commander-in-chief, and titled Baturu. According to the “Manchu and Han Official Rank Table” in the “Rural Social Etiquette” published by Jinzhang Publishing House in 1911 during the Qing Dynasty, the rank of General Zhenwei is classified as a first-tier military official. However, according to the “Zhu Family Genealogy” of Shigu, Zhu Wudian was granted the first-tier official honor, which was bestowed upon three generations of his ancestors. In the 16th year of the Guangxu reign, he passed away from overwork while serving in Gansu. His coffin was escorted back by his troops and he was buried in Dacang... More detailed information about Zhu Wudian++