As we all know, many literati and scholars in history have always had an indissoluble bond with Suzhou, and most of them loved this beautiful place and chose to live here. It is precisely because of this that many quiet places in Suzhou have left their footprints and talents. Walking through the ancient city of Gusu, it seems that you can travel through time and space, meditate and understand with those literati and scholars, enjoy the tranquility of the years, and at the same time, you can further appreciate the poetry and leisurely nature that belongs to the south of the Yangtze River.
Shiquan Street - Li Gengen's former residence
Shiquan Street is not only the best example of the rejuvenation of the ancient city, but also has many good stories of culture to find, listen to and see. Li Gengen, a modern celebrity and patriot, once lived here.
Source: Xiaohongshu @ Su Yonghang
In 1923, at the age of 44, after resigning from the Beiyang government, Li Gengen led his family out of Shanghai and quietly came to Suzhou. The current house number of Li Gengen's former residence is "No. 279 Shiquan Street", the former residence has a large area, most of them have been rebuilt, shops have been opened along the street, and there is a small lane next to it as an access channel inside and outside. Only the innermost three-room hard mountain bungalow is still owned by the descendants of the Li family, with a wall and a door that is closed all year round to cut off from the outside world.
Source: Xiaohongshu @ Su Yonghang
Li Gengen's firm patriotism and unyielding national integrity have always been praised. And now, his former residence seems to still tell that magnificent history, exuding a strong cultural atmosphere and deep humanistic feelings. As time passes, Shiquan Street continues to develop in the midst of changes, but the touching story of this celebrity is still touching.
Jiuru Lane - the former residence of the four sisters of the Zhang family
From Shiquan Street, cross Pingqiao Straight Street, and then walk a short section of Wuyi Road, you can come to Jiuru Lane. The old mansion located at No. 3 Jiuru Lane is the former residence of Zhang Jimu, an educator in the Republic of China. He was originally from Hefei, Anhui Province, lived in Suzhou, and his ancestors were Zhang Shusheng, the leader of the Huai Army from Hefei in the late Qing Dynasty. In 1921, Zhang Jimu sold part of his family property and established Leyi Girls' Middle School as a sole proprietor. "Leyi" means "optimistic and enterprising, benefiting the society".
Photo source: Xiaohongshu @ Yu Lu Mu Mu
His youngest daughter Zhang Chonghe was praised as "the last talented woman of the Republic of China". Zhang Chonghe has a frank temperament, a noble character, loves Kunqu opera, good antiques, and a small calligraphy to show his personal style. This legendary woman, who walked out of Jiuru Lane, is as elegant and noble as a plum blossom, and her profound cultural literacy and personality charm complement each other, which also makes the people of the world admire.
Suzhou No. 1 Middle School——
Ye Shengtao, Gu Jiegang, Zhang Yuanshan's school
The "Suzhou No. 1 Middle School" in the mouth of old Suzhou is not only the first public school in the history of Suzhou, but also a holy place that has given birth to countless talents, and enjoys the reputation of the cradle of "the three elders of Gusu". Ye Shengtao, Gu Jiegang, Zhang Yuanshan and other outstanding figures have studied here, and after completing their studies, they have shined in their respective fields and made extraordinary achievements. What's even more touching is that the friendship they formed in middle school has lasted through the years and continues to the end of their lives. Walking on the campus of Suzhou No. 1 Middle School now, this deep friendship and firm friendship are still moving.
Photo source: Xiaohongshu @ Tibi Su a few lines
Jinfan Road - Zhang Taiyan's former residence
Cross Stadium Road from Wuyi Road and follow Jinfan Road to Zhang Taiyan's former residence. In 1934, Zhang Taiyan returned to his old Suzhou and founded the "Zhang's Sinology Seminar", which was founded in Zhangyuan during this period, which was the place where he collected books, writings, met guests and lived in his later years. In the former residence, Mr. Zhang Taiyan's life deeds and writings are carefully displayed, and each exhibit seems to silently tell his legendary story.
图源小红书@ Edith Guan
Nowadays, after careful renovation and transformation, Zhangyuan has been rejuvenated and has become a comprehensive humanistic space integrating book reading, cultural dissemination and inheritance of Chinese culture, where you can pick a book and read quietly for a whole afternoon to feel the tranquility and depth.
Photo: Xinlan
No. 16 Miaotang Lane - Yang Jiang's former residence
Along Jinfan Road to the west through the big stone lane, is the temple lane. At No. 16 Miaotang Lane, there is an important cultural relics protection unit in Suzhou City, Zhongren Temple. It was originally the former residence of Xu Ruke, the Qing of Guanglu Temple in the Ming Dynasty.
During the period of the Republic of China, Zhongren Temple became the residence of the famous "Three Yangs" (Yang Yinhang, Yang Yinyu and Yang Jiang), Yang Jiang was 12 years old with his father here, and his father repaired the house and named it "Anxu Hall" and asked Zhang Jian to inscribe the plaque. She spent her youth here, and later held a wedding with Qian Zhongshu here. Although this lane has only accompanied Yang Jiang for less than ten years, it carries innocence and beauty and has become an unforgettable part of her life. Nowadays, there are many well-preserved dwellings in the temple lane, with pink walls and tiles, scattered, strolling in them, you can still feel a kind of peace and tranquility hidden in the city.
Quyuan - Yu Yue's former residence
Walk through Miaotang Lane and walk along Ximei Lane for 500 meters, and you can see Quyuan. This ancient garden, which was built in the thirteenth year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1874), still retains the style of the former residence of Yu Yue, a master of Puxue. In the garden, a 200-year-old crape myrtle tree stands like a guardian, witnessing the spiritual journey of countless visitors. In summer, crape myrtle blooms, as gorgeous as a little starlight, lighting up every corner of the garden. The two halls of "Spring In" and "Happy Knowledge" in the garden are the far-reaching artistic conception of Yu Yue's "flowers falling in spring" and "Lotte and knowing fate".
Small streets and alleys are the characteristic of Suzhou
And in the depths of the alleys, there is always a dragon and a crouching tiger
Many celebrities have lived here
Stroll through the alleys
Walk the path they have walked
Take a look at this piece of history~
Source: Suzhou Gusu release
Editor: Xiao Ming