Former Residence of Qin Mu

Former Residence of Qin Mu

The former residence of Qin Mu is a protected cultural heritage site under Guangdong Provincial Government.

The former residence of Qin Mu is located at No. 9 Suopu Lane, Guanyi Village, Zhanglin, Dongli Town, Chenghai District, Shantou City, Guangdong Province. It is a traditional "Four-Point Gold" (a term for a classic Teochew-style courtyard house) quadrangle compound with a history of nearly 100 years. The old residence covers an area of 387.5 square meters and consists of 16 rooms including a central courtyard, main hall, wing rooms, living quarters, and a study. A plaque inscribed with “Former Residence of Qin Mu” is embedded at the entrance of the house.

This is an ancient courtyard that has weathered a century of storms and witnessed the turbulence of history. Pushing open the old wooden gate and stepping into the yard, you’ll see a main hall flanked by side rooms. Entering the left side room, you’ll find the bedroom of Qin Mu’s parents, which displays his handwritten notes and family photos. Outside the side room is a small room where Qin Mu and his elder brother once lived in cramped conditions. Passing through the side room, you’ll come to his study. Though simply furnished, it was here that Qin Mu immersed himself in extensive reading and diligent study. In his childhood, while attending elementary school in his hometown, he was introduced to the works of literary giants such as Lu Xun, Ba Jin, and Yu Dafu, thanks to a teacher who had a passion for modern literature.

Directly opposite the entrance of the residence is the main hall, where a marble bust of Qin Mu will be displayed. On the right side of the front wall hang two plaques: the “Inscription on the Former Residence of Qin Mu” and the “Biographical Sketch of Qin Mu.” The interior exhibits Qin Mu’s personal belongings such as ballpoint pens, old glasses, magnifying glasses, manuscript paper, and handwritten drafts... Also on display are artworks, souvenirs, photographs, and CDs from various events that Qin Mu treasured during his lifetime, as well as clothes he once wore. Items include appointment letters from various literary and art groups, certificates for award-winning works, published books, and research publications related to Qin Mu’s works. There are also calligraphy and paintings gifted to Qin Mu by friends during his life.

Qin Mu’s wife, Ms. Wu Zifeng, and his younger sister, Lin Yulan, donated a collection of his personal items, including letters, photos, manuscripts, and calligraphy, for public viewing at the residence. The walls are adorned with several precious photos of Qin Mu during his lifetime. Interestingly, a piece of calligraphy by Qin Mu and another by his father, Lin Yunshan, are displayed together — Qin Mu’s is a poem dedicated to the Han Wengong Temple, while his father’s is a calligraphic version of the “Memorial on Dispatching the Troops.” Outside the residence, in a rural leisure pavilion known as a “Xianjian,” you can also find a stone plaque inscribed with “Yulai Residence,” written by Lin Yunshan in the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928).

In 2015, the Guangdong Provincial People's Government designated it as a Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Unit.

Qin Mu (1919–1992), originally named Lin Juefu, with the school name Lin Paik, was a native of Chenghai, Guangdong. He was born in Hong Kong and moved with his parents to Singapore at a young age, where he lived for 10 years. Due to family hardships, he later returned to his hometown of Chenghai. He attended Shantou Municipal No. 1 Middle School before transferring to a high school in Hong Kong.

After the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan, he worked successively as a political officer in the military, a newspaper journalist, and a middle school teacher. During periods of unemployment, he made a living by writing. In 1942, he married the female writer Wu Zifeng.

After the victory of the war, he served as secretary of the Chinese Labor Association. In the autumn of 1946, when the “Labor Association” faced suppression by the government… More detailed information about Qin Mu ++

Guanyi Village: Originally named Xingong, Guanyi Village in Dongli Town was formerly under the jurisdiction of Nanshe Village. In 1950, it merged with Nanshe and Touchong Villages to become Guanping Village. In 1961, after the split of Guanping Village, it was renamed Guanyi Village, also known as Budaowei. It is the birthplace of the famous literary master Qin Mu (also known as Lin Juefu). The village consists of two areas, called “Xingong” (also known as Nan Kang Li) and “Nansheng Li” (commonly referred to as Budaowei). The village has 775 households and a population of 2,857, including 217 non-agricultural residents. The total land area is 2,748 mu, with 1,260 mu of arable land and approximately 200 mu of forested hills… More detailed information about Guanyi Village ++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units