Zhang Shiming's Former Residence

Another recommended place is the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming, the private residence of Zhang Hengjun (also known as Zhang Shiming) in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. Its grand scale, stunning carvings, and fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles reveal the owner's wealth and meticulous care. No single carving is repeated, and every detail is meticulously considered. The Chinese-style interior is meticulously crafted, while the Western-style interior is opulent. The residence features a grand ballroom with dressing and powder rooms, and the floor tiles and paintings were imported from France. From the fireplaces and carved glass to the Klingsian iron columns, the style reflects 18th-century European architectural styles. It's worth noting that the Jiangnan region values concealing wealth. While the exterior appears to be just a high horse-head wall, it might even be mistaken for a warehouse. Inside, however, a completely different world unfolds! To the west of the Zhang residence, there was once a 30-acre private garden, Shiyuan. This magnificent garden featured a stele gallery and was inlaid with calligraphy by ancient figures from Zhang Shiming's collection. Unfortunately, Shiyuan was destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War.

This is definitely a mansion! The carvings are incredibly detailed, with no single detail repeated. Inside, there's a blend of Chinese and Western elements, including a Western-style ballroom. From the outside, it looks like ordinary high walls, but the interior is incredibly hidden!

The former residence of Zhang Shiming, also known as Yide Hall, faces the ancient Xun Creek and sits west to the east. Built in the 25th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was a private residence for Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun. The building is tall and spacious, with five courtyards and four entrances, and 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. Noted for its grand scale, exquisite carvings, and blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, it is known as "the premier private residence in Jiangnan."

The Zhang Shiming Residence was built between 1899 and 1905 by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the "Four Elephants of Nanxun," a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon. It covers an area of 6,500 square meters, with a floor area of 7,000 square meters. The building blends typical Jiangnan traditional architectural styles with Western European elements from the French Renaissance, showcasing the owner's late-19th-century exchange and integration with the West in economic, cultural, and artistic terms. Its scale, opulence, and classic decor are rare in Jiangnan, leading some historians to call it the most prestigious residence in Jiangnan.

Zhang Shiming, a successful candidate in the imperial examination in the 20th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1894), was a keen collector of ancient books, inscriptions on bronze and stone tablets, and rare stones. He was one of the four great book collectors in Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. He was the founder and sponsor of the Hangzhou Xiling Seal Society.

The former residence of Zhang Shiming, located on West Street in Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, is also known as Yide Hall. It faces the Nanshi River (Xunxi River), sits west and faces east. It was built between 1899 and 1906. It was the private residence of Zhang Junheng (with the courtesy name Shiming) in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.

The Zhang Shiming Residence, also known as Yide Hall, was built by Zhang Shiming, the eldest grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun. Constructed between the 25th and 31st years of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1899-1905), it covers an area of 4,792 square meters. Facing the street and the Shihe River, it features five courtyards and four entrances, with 244 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. This grand residence, predominantly a traditional Jiangnan hall-style building, incorporates European architectural forms from the Italian Renaissance, creating a classic fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Its unique style, magnificent structure, exquisite craftsmanship, and architectural brilliance have earned it the reputation of "the premier residence in Jiangnan." The Zhang Shiming Residence boasts a rich and exquisite collection of wood, brick, stone, and glass carvings (including French blue crystal cut glass), representing the "Four Wonders."

Zhang Shiming (1871-1927), whose given name was Junheng and courtesy name was Shiming, also known as the Master of Shiyuan, was a juren (imperial candidate) in the 20th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1894). He was a passionate collector of ancient books and was one of the four great bibliophiles in Nanxun during the late Qing and early Republican period. Zhang Shiming's lifelong interest in epigraphy and the appreciation of rare stones led him to adopt the courtesy name Shiming. He cultivated a literary and artistic rapport with epigraphy masters such as Wu Changshuo of Anji, seal carvers Ding Fuzhi, and Mao Fuan, and was a founder and patron of the Hangzhou Xiling Seal Society. Zhang Songxian was one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun, having made his fortune in the silk and salt trade of Jili Lake. His Henghe Silk Shop earned him fame, earning him the nickname "Zhang Henghe." Zhang Shiming was a cousin of Kuomintang veteran Zhang Jingjiang (son of Zhang Songxian's second son, Zhang Baoshan). Consequently, Zhang Songxian's two grandsons, Zhang Shiming and Zhang Jingjiang, were known as the "talented men of the Zhang family" among the Four Elephants.

In 1887, Zhang Shiming's father, Zhang Baoqing, passed away; in 1892, his grandfather, Zhang Songxian, passed away. In 1903, Zhang Shiming and his uncle, Zhang Baoshan, separated from the family. Zhang Baoshan lived in the ancestral home, Zunde Hall, on East Street. Zhang Shiming and his mother, Lady Gui, purchased the former residence of Ming Dynasty scholar Dong Shuo and that of Gu Fengsheng, one of the "Four Elephants," on Nanxi Street, across the river from the Zhang family's Qitai Sauce and Salt Shop, and built a larger compound, Yide Hall. To the west of the Zhang family's former residence was the 30-mu Shiyuan, built in 1907 during the invasion of foreign powers. Zhang Shiming, realizing his ambitions were not suited to the world, built the garden to collect books, inscriptions, and stone tablets, to cultivate his mind and achieve what suited him, hence the name "Shiyuan." Unfortunately, Shiyuan was destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War. After the separation, Zhang Shiming inherited the family businesses, including silk and salt, as well as the Shanghai Shenda Money House, the Southeast Trust Company, and some real estate.

It is worth a careful visit: the main hall "Yide Hall", the flower hall "Yi Shi Qi Zhi", the study "Ze Shi Ju", the inner hall (the door and window skirts of the hall and the wing buildings are engraved with exquisite "fishermen, woodcutters, farmers and scholars" and cultural and historical wood carvings, and the stone foundation of the wing building is engraved with the dark Eight Immortals stone carving pattern that symbolizes spiritual energy. The windows upstairs are inlaid with French diamond-shaped blue silver hand-painted cut glass, which is crystal clear and exquisitely crafted), Banana Hall, "Western Building" and other buildings.

The "Zhang Shiming Former Residence" was built by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon and one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. Construction took place between 1899 and 1905, the 25th and 31st years of the reign of Emperor Guangxu. The residence combines typical Jiangnan traditional architecture with Western European elements from the French Renaissance. These interconnected and ingenious integrations reflect the owner's 19th-century connections and exchanges with the West in economic, cultural, and artistic fields. Located in Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, it is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site.

It is a very large house, much larger than the Kezhi Garden in Zhujiajiao.

The dust-free windows, the colorful dance hall tiles, the coins from various countries... It's quite interesting!

Zhang Shiming was one of the most influential silk merchants in Huzhou during the Qing Dynasty and the cousin of Zhang Jingjiang, one of the founding fathers of the Republic of China. As the eldest grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun silk merchants, Zhang Shiming achieved remarkable success in business. He not only inherited and absorbed his grandfather's business and personal values, but also pioneered overseas trade, placing him at the forefront of silk merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. He was also the foremost, most successful, and influential silk trader from the mid- to late Qing Dynasty. This necessitated increased communication and connections with overseas merchants, and he spared no effort in perfecting the art of entertaining foreign guests. Consequently, Zhang Shiming chose a separate villa within his residence to serve as his bedroom, study, and reception area. The building was constructed in accordance with traditional Chinese feng shui principles and seamlessly integrated with Western architectural techniques. A quintessential and successful fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles quietly emerged in the prosperous city of Nanxun.



At the same time, the Zhang Shiming Residence in Nanxun is a masterpiece of art, a perfect fusion of the finest works of the European Renaissance and the distinctive architectural features of Jiangnan China. While the exterior of the residence reveals a striking red European-style building, upon entering, one is immediately greeted by the classical Chinese living room, known as Yide Hall. At this moment, everyone is captivated by the majestic and immaculate atmosphere. Even during the Republican era, and even today, it remains the largest private residence in Jiangnan. Its architectural artistry, feng shui design, and craftsmanship mark a milestone in the integration of Chinese and Western architecture. This demonstrates the astonishing success of Zhang Shiming's business ventures in Huzhou and throughout the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions.

The former residence of Zhang Shiming is the largest attraction in Nanxun Ancient Town. It takes about an hour to walk around. It fully demonstrates the luxurious life of the wealthy at that time.

The reason why this Zhang Shiming old house is huge is that it covers a vast area and has houses lined up one after another.

To some extent, it is comparable to those courtyards in Shanxi and the salt merchants' courtyards in Yangzhou.

The difference lies in the influence of the temporary trend of Western architecture, represented by the Greco-Roman style corridor columns.

The upper class life of that era was a combination of Chinese and Western cultures, which complemented each other.

It's OK, just visit Zhang Shiming's former residence and see the wealthy families of ancient times.

The Zhang family compound twists and turns, its depths unfathomable. I don't know how many rooms I've walked through, how many pieces of furniture, calligraphy and paintings, stone carvings and seal carvings I've seen, Eastern and Western influences changing like a revolving lantern.

Zhang Shiming's former residence is located in Nanxun Ancient Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The ticket to the ancient town is 100, which of course includes Zhang Shiming's former residence. However, it closes too early, at 5 o'clock, and I missed it.

Also known as Yide Hall, this is the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty building in Nanxun Ancient Town. While its exterior is unassuming, its interior is quite grand and luxurious. It features both Chinese-style carved beams and painted rafters and Western-style multicolored glass. A visit to Nanxun Ancient Town is a must-see for Zhang Shiming's former residence.

The "Zhang Shiming Former Residence" was built by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun and a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon. Also known as Yide Hall, it was constructed between the 25th and 31st years of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1889-1906). The residence combines classic Jiangnan traditional architecture with Western European elements from the French Renaissance. Facing the ancient Xun Creek, it sits west and faces east, covering 6,500 square meters and boasting 7,000 square meters of floor space. It features five courtyards and four entrances, with 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. It is a classic example of a fusion of Chinese and Western styles.



Entering the former residence, one will be struck by its unique style, magnificent structure, exquisite craftsmanship, and architectural quintessence, making it worthy of being called "the best residential building in Jiangnan." The old house has deep courtyards, winding corridors, and staggered floors.



The front courtyard is a double-sided courtyard, its gate lintel inscribed with the characters "Four Virtues Create Eternity" (四德作永) in calligraphy by Wu Changshuo. The gatehouse is surrounded by carvings of motifs such as "Group of Immortals Celebrating Birthday." The second courtyard, with one hall and two wings, is known as the "Miss's Building," also known as the "Women's Hall." The upstairs is for the female family members, while the downstairs is for the hostess to receive directors. The third wing features hardwood lattice windows carved with banana leaf motifs on the whitewashed walls, hence the name "Banana Hall." This hall is where the family gathers for tea and conversation. The fourth courtyard is the most distinctive, featuring a grand ballroom with dressing and powder rooms. The floor tiles and paintings were imported from France, and the walls and roof are constructed of red brick. From the fireplace, carved glass, to the Klingsian iron columns, all reflect the European architectural style of the 18th century. The fifth courtyard houses the back garden, stele gallery, and stele gallery.



My travel notes: http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/8332346.html

Known as "the first private residence in Jiangnan," this is the largest private residence in Jiangnan, combining both Chinese and Western architectural styles. It was built during the Guangxu reign (1889-1906) by Zhang Hengjun (style name Shiming), grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants. Zhang Shiming was also one of the four great book collectors in Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.

Built by Zhang Shiming, grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun, the mansion is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. The entire residence combines classic Jiangnan traditional architecture with European-style buildings from the French Renaissance, showcasing a fusion of Eastern and Western influences. The exquisite brick, wood, stone, and glass carvings are considered the "Four Wonders."

Zhang Shiming's former residence, also known as Yide Hall, faces the ancient Xun Creek, sits west and faces east, covers an area of 6,500 square meters, and has a construction area of 7,000 square meters. It features five courtyards and four halls, with 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. It is a classic example of a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The residence is magnificent, elegant, and unique in style, making it the largest private residence in Jiangnan to combine both Chinese and Western architectural styles. Its unique style, grand structure, exquisite craftsmanship, and architectural sophistication are evident in its deep courtyards, winding corridors, and staggered levels. From the third hall onward, a unique Western ambiance emerges, offering a refreshing experience. The porch windows on either side of the inner hall are exquisitely crafted, lifelike, and feature carved wooden banana leaves. The diamond-shaped blue glass inlays on the upper windows depict seasonal flowers and fruits, elegant and radiant, representing a precious decorative fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. The fourth and fifth halls fully embody 18th-century European style, with many imported architectural materials, including fireplaces, carved glass, Collinsian iron capitals, and French floor tiles. The grand ballroom, complete with powder rooms and dressing rooms, is also visible. Stepping outside, the walls and roof are constructed of red brick and tile, exuding a sense of grandeur. In the front courtyard of the house stand two towering magnolia trees, said to be over 200 years old.

The Western-style house in Zhang Shiming's former residence in Nanxun Ancient Town is a beautiful landscape.

The building is a fusion of Chinese and Western styles and quite distinctive, it is worth a visit.

The Zhang Residence, a wealthy family, is a stunning fusion of Chinese and Western architecture. Behind the Hui-style buildings sits a small Western-style house, housing what was then China's first family dance hall.

"Zhang Shiming's Old Residence" was built by Zhang Junheng, the grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun and a wealthy man in Jiangnan. It is one of the rare mansions in Jiangnan that has basically retained the historical appearance of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a classic building that combines Chinese and Western styles.

Below are a few random photos of the former residence.

I just like looking at the houses of rich people. I have a loser mentality.

In reality, if you want to understand what life was like a hundred years ago, you can only look at the houses of the wealthy. The houses of the poor have been destroyed countless times. However, there are commonalities throughout history: the poor are lucky to have a house to live in; the well-off must make the most of their space and avoid wasting it; and the wealthy each have their own hobbies, which are reflected in their homes. Zhang Shiming's hobbies are rare stones and carving, or more broadly, collecting, which can be considered an expensive hobby.



As usual, I entered the house from the servants' corridor (the entrance and the main gate are at the exit). It wasn't long before I arrived at Yide Hall. Seeing this familiar place reminded me of the "Zunde Hall" of Zhang Jingjiang's house. Both "Zunde" and "Yi" were inscribed by Zhang Jian, the number one scholar in the late Qing Dynasty. It suddenly dawned on me that Zhang Jian and the Zhang family had a very special relationship. No wonder Zhang Jian was ranked before the famous person Weng Tonghe in the introduction of Zhang Jingjiang's Zunde Hall. In addition, in the introduction of Yide Hall, Zhang Jian was given another title, "industrialist", in addition to the number one scholar. I was secretly delighted that I had guessed it right before. Besides, the "Yi" in the inscription refers to a woman, which means that Zhang Shiming lost his father at a young age, and all the affairs of the family were handled by his mother. On the one hand, it shows the owner's respect for his mother, and on the other hand, it also shows that Zhang Shiming is a filial son. The good thing about this Yi title is that it is a good name.



Going further back, although the interior decoration is also a combination of Chinese and Western styles, and there is also an independent Western-style hall, I seem to have become a little immune to it after seeing Liu's ladder house, and it does not arouse much interest. Instead, the carvings and stones everywhere in the house are eye-opening. The eagle stone is naturally one of the three stones of Nanxun, but I like the banana wood carvings on the windows and in the corridors even more (if I hadn't read the introduction, I would have thought they were carved from stone). They are very tasteful. In addition, the stone carvings and brick carvings on each gate are also dazzling and amazing. This kind of scene seems to be rare in the whole Wuzhen. I remember there is only one place, a little east of the Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop, and I have only seen it on the gate of the salt merchant's house. But in Zhang Shiming's house, it can be seen almost everywhere. It can be seen that it is true love.



In the small garden at the back of the house, you can see a similar Chinese-Western hybrid building to the Liu's Ladder House. This one is French-style, dating from the French Renaissance, but the materials used are similar to the Italianate buildings in the Liu's Ladder House, with a large amount of red brick, so the color tone is very similar, with only the style differences. There are also foreign coin collections and record collections in the house. In the original dance hall, although it was not Zhang Shiming's property, it still reflects the fact that the owner was deeply influenced by Europe. It is recommended to spend 1 hour to visit.

The "Zhang Shiming Former Residence" was built by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun and a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon. Construction took place between 1889 and 1906. The residence combines classic Jiangnan traditional architecture with Western European elements from the French Renaissance. These interconnected and ingeniously integrated elements reflect the owner's economic, cultural, and artistic connections with the West during the 19th century. Located in Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, it is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. The Zhang Shiming Former Residence, also known as Yide Hall, faces the ancient Xun Creek, sits west and faces east, and covers an area of 6,500 square meters, with a total construction area of 7,000 square meters. The five-story, four-courtyard residence features 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. It is a rare example of a wealthy mansion in Jiangnan that has largely retained its original Ming and Qing dynasty appearance, a classic example of a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

The Zhang Shiming Residence was built by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun and a wealthy Jiangnan magnate. Construction took place between 1889 and 1906. The residence features a blend of classic Jiangnan traditional architecture and Western European elements from the French Renaissance. These interconnected structures cleverly reflect the owner's 19th-century connections and exchanges with the West in economic, cultural, and artistic fields. It is known as the grandest residence in Jiangnan.

We happened to catch the tour guide giving a lecture, and we were all amazed at the owner's wealth along the way. We could still see French glass that cost one or two taels of gold each, but we could only rely on our imagination to see the sculptures and the gems inlaid in the corridors.

It has some flavor of that era, but overall it's just average.

He was also a wealthy businessman in Nanxun. The characteristic of this building complex is that it used Western architectural construction methods and materials relatively early in ancient towns and villages in China. This is a relatively rare place.

Also known as Yide Hall, it is a large house built by Zhang Junheng, the grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun. This house well reflects the aesthetic taste of the owner of the house, and also reflects the social characteristics of that era. At that time, it was really a time of fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. Many gentry had both a foundation in traditional Chinese studies and a strong interest in Western studies. Therefore, this building is also a classic building that combines Chinese and Western styles. It is known as the "No. 1 Private House in Jiangnan". In addition to the building itself, those who are interested should take a good look around inside. The decoration is very delicate and elegant. The plaques, calligraphy and paintings, chair furnishings, garden bonsai, carved beams and painted buildings, every detail is very delicate and worth a visit.

Zhang Shiming's former residence, also known as Yide Hall, is the largest historic residence in Nanxun and is known as "the premier residence in Jiangnan." Western ideas had already been introduced at the time, so the front of Yide Hall is a typical Jiangnan architecture, with an ornate and elaborate courtyard. The back half of the building is a Western-style structure, with many decorations reportedly imported from France, reflecting the owner's wealth.

Zhang Shiming's former residence, also known as Yide Hall, faces the ancient Xun Creek and faces east. It boasts five courtyards and four entrances, with 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. It is a classic example of a complex that blends Chinese and Western styles.

The Western-style building (dance hall) in Zhang's house is very famous;

There is also the "Eagle Stone", one of the three famous stones of Nanxun, in the courtyard.

This classic architectural complex, a fusion of Chinese and Western styles, was built in the 25th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Xiansong, a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon and one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. The hall's name was also inscribed by Zhang Jian. The couplet reads: "Luofu, Kuacang, the abode of immortals; a forest of books, inscriptions, and inscriptions."

The house has a typical style of a wealthy family, reflecting the economic, cultural and artistic exchanges with the West in the late 19th century. It has 150 rooms and is one of the rare well-preserved mansions of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

I can only say that I have a better understanding of the history of the local people in Nanxun. Before I went there, I basically didn’t know who Zhang Shiming was.

It's a very antique building and easy to find. You can go and have a look.

To own such a large mansion in Nanxun, a city teeming with wealthy families, the owner must have been exceptional. Zhang Shiming, also known as the Master of Shiyuan, was a juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examination) in the 20th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. He was the eldest grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants (the wealthiest men) of Nanxun, and the cousin of Zhang Jingjiang, another prominent Nanxun figure and a veteran of the Kuomintang. A passionate collector of ancient books, inscriptions, and rare stones, he was one of the four great book collectors of Nanxun during the late Qing and early Republican eras. From the travelogue "Lu Zai Tu - Dreaming of Nanxun"

It was built by Zhang Hengjun (pen name Shiming), the grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit. The front half is a Chinese-style building, and the back half is a Western-style building.

The courtyard is deep and the corridors are winding. This is also a magnificent building that integrates Chinese and Western cultures.

This one is also very big. I didn't go back and walked a long way before I got out. It's a big family with a large family and a large business.

Zhang Shiming's former residence is also known as Yide Hall. Nanxun's "Four Elephants" truly lived up to their reputation, and the house built by the "Zhang Family Talents" was truly exceptional. This grand, five-story, four-courtyard compound is known as "the finest private residence in Jiangnan." The first three courtyards are arranged from east to west. The first courtyard (the first courtyard) features a gatehouse inscribed with "Shide Zuoyong" by Wu Changshuo and a main hall inscribed with "Yide Hall" by Zhang Jian. The second courtyard is the inner hall, the "Miss's Building," with a brick-carved gatehouse inscribed with "Zhu Bao Song Mao" and French-imported blue glass lining the windows. The third courtyard houses the "Banana Hall," a place for family gatherings. Since the fourth courtyard could no longer extend westward, they turned south at a right angle, building a Western-style building with a ballroom. (I wonder who hosted those guests back then.)

Only a limited part of the original building remains, which is ok!

Personally, I think the former residence of Zhang Shiming, also known as Yide Hall, is the most beautiful and my favorite attraction in all of Nanxun Ancient Town. Facing the ancient Xun Creek, it sits west and faces east, covering 6,500 square meters and boasting a building area of 7,000 square meters. The residence features five courtyards and four entrances, with 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. Its unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture and magnificent structure make it no wonder it's known as "the premier residential building in Jiangnan." This blend of Eastern and Western elements is not found anywhere else in the ancient town, making it my favorite sight!

It's very big, very distinctive, and the architecture is beautiful. I don't know if there is a mistake in the picture.

They are all in Nanxun Ancient Town, which is not a big town. It takes about an hour to walk around.

The architecture, a fusion of Chinese and Western styles, reflects the infinite wisdom of mankind. It is very good, especially the glass sculpture.

It's a good place to visit! It would be better if the museum could be kept as it is.

It's a very exquisite house. It's the first time I've seen such exquisite chairs. The carvings on the windows are very delicate. The details show the true chapter. However, I hope everyone will protect the cultural relics. Some of them have been destroyed.

The opulent, Western-style ballroom evokes memories of the dances of the illustrious, the socialite, and the upper class of yesteryear: swaying lights, graceful dancing, clinking glasses, and the joys of life. Perhaps it was in a place like this that the talented scholar Zhang and Miss Zhao Si first met, their romantic encounter?

The "Zhang Shiming Former Residence" was built by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon and one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. Construction took place between the 25th and 31st years of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1889-1906). The residence combines typical Jiangnan traditional architecture with Western European elements from the French Renaissance.

It is worth a visit. There is a different world inside. There are western-style buildings inside and ancient Huizhou buildings outside.

After watching it, I had only one feeling: his family was once extremely wealthy, and their Forbes ranking should have been very high at that time.

A mansion that combines Chinese and Western styles, very sophisticated~~

Xiaolianzhuang, the private garden of Liu Yong, Nanxun's richest man in the late Qing Dynasty, was built in 1884. It was named after his admiration for the Lotus Garden by the Yuan Dynasty painter Zhao Mengfu. The town boasts numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, including the Ming Dynasty Baijianlou, a typical example of riverside dwellings, named after the 100 rooms that remain today. The former residence of Zhang Shiming, a wealthy Huzhou magnate and a successful juren in the Guangxu period, is well-preserved, boasting over 150 rooms in a five-story, four-courtyard building that blends Chinese and Western styles. The former residence of Zhang Jingjiang, one of the four founding fathers of the Kuomintang, houses photographs, inscriptions, and letters from Weng Tonghe, the Guangxu Emperor's teacher, as well as other figures such as Sun Yat-sen, Chen Lifu, and Yu Youren.

The entire mansion combines the typical traditional Jiangnan architectural style with the European architectural style of the French Renaissance. It is a classic fusion of Chinese and Western styles and is known as the "No. 1 House in Jiangnan."

Nanxun Zhangjia, one of the Four Elephants, is the former residence of Zhang Shiming. From the outside, the walls are very high and you can't see anything inside. But when you go in, you will find that it is not completely a Jiangnan residential building. Instead, it is built together with a Baroque-style small Western-style building (Yide Hall). It is very distinctive and worth a visit. There is also a collection of phonograph records inside.

In one word: tycoon, absolutely tycoon!!

After leaving the exhibition hall and walking down a corridor, there is a record exhibition hall, and behind it are the Western Building and Western Dance Hall. Now the hall has been turned into a coin exhibition hall.

Your house is so big, really big!! Everywhere you look, it tells you what it means to be rich.

The former residence of Zhang Shiming can only be described as "grand", but not too conspicuous.

The mansion is magnificent, rich and elegant, with a unique style. It can be said to be the largest private residence in Jiangnan that combines Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Its unique style, magnificent structure, exquisite craftsmanship and architectural quintessence have earned it the title of "the best residential building in Jiangnan." The old house has deep courtyards, winding corridors and staggered floors.

You can go to the mansion to see the life of the rich

It is composed of typical Jiangnan traditional architecture and European-style architecture from the French Renaissance period, and is known as the No. 1 House in Jiangnan!

The Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall is worth a visit, and it gives you an intuitive understanding of China's clan culture.

Built by Zhang Shiming, the grandson of one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun, the building is a good combination of Jiangnan structure and French architectural style, with exquisite wood carvings and stone carvings.

It is a big house with a front door and a back door. It has a black roof and white walls. There is a wall along the river that is hung with red lanterns. It is very beautiful. The architecture inside is a combination of Chinese and Western styles, which is enough to show the owner's wealth and taste.

It is also a wealthy family. The houses, pavilions, and tiles are all limited editions.

It's said there are only 80 pieces of blue crystal cut glass (imported from France) in the world, and the Zhang family owns 73. Pretty impressive, right?

The carved banana leaf railings in the Banana Hall corridor are said to have originally been inlaid with gemstones. (How rich!) Later, when the Zhang family immigrated to the United States, they removed the gemstones and took them with them.

The former residence of Zhang Shiming is my husband and my favorite place. Built between 1889 and 1906, the residence was constructed by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon and one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. The residence combines classic Jiangnan traditional architecture with Western European elements from the French Renaissance. These interconnected and ingenious combinations reflect the owner's economic, cultural, and artistic connections with the West during the 19th century. Located in Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, it is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. The former residence, also known as Yide Hall, faces the ancient Xun Creek, sits west and faces east, covers an area of 6,500 square meters, and has a construction area of 7,000 square meters. It features five courtyards and four entrances, with 150 rooms in various Chinese and Western styles. It is a rare example of a wealthy mansion in Jiangnan that has largely retained its original Ming and Qing dynasty appearance, a classic example of a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

This former residence feels bigger than Liu's ladder house. It is also a unique combination of Chinese and Western styles. I like it.

The "Zhang Shiming Former Residence" was built by Zhang Junheng, grandson of Zhang Songxian, a wealthy Jiangnan tycoon and one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. Construction took place between 1889 and 1906, the 25th and 31st years of the reign of Emperor Guangxu. The residence combines typical Jiangnan traditional architecture with Western European elements from the French Renaissance. These interconnected and ingenious combinations reflect the owner's economic, cultural, and artistic connections with the West during the 19th century.

The exquisite wood and stone carvings, the heavy gate, and the high walls all reveal the wealth and majesty of the former owner.

This hidden Western-style dance hall, a rarity in the old days, is well worth a visit.

"Zhang's Old House" is worthy of being a wealthy man in Jiangnan. The whole house is composed of a typical Jiangnan traditional pattern and a Western European architectural complex, which are interconnected and cleverly combined. It is a classic building complex that combines Chinese and Western styles. This is the real high-end, Western style, and upscale.

The residence is divided into three sections: south, north, and center. The front sections are Chinese-style buildings from the late Qing Dynasty, while the south and center sections are Baroque-style buildings from Western Europe. The residence features a variety of architectural styles, with a rich tapestry of brick, wood, and stone carvings. The decoration of the Chinese-style buildings extensively incorporates Western European materials and techniques. Numerous calligraphy works by renowned calligraphers are preserved, a rare find in Jiangnan residences.

It is one of the most famous attractions in Nanxun. The one with a string of red lanterns is the main entrance, which is just opposite our room. However, I am not interested in this kind of attraction.

It is one of the most famous attractions in Nanxun. The one with a string of red lanterns is the main entrance, which is just opposite our room. However, I am not interested in this kind of attraction.

I remember watching CCTV-4's 100-episode series on ancient Chinese towns. The first stop was in Nanxun, and they filmed right here in this house. I finally got to see it up close. A dance hall like that was truly rare in that era, which shows how wealthy they were.

Zhang Shiming is the grandson of Zhang Songxian, one of the four great men of Nanxun and a wealthy man in Jiangnan. It is said that his family was very wealthy and involved in silk, salt, and real estate. The design of the old house is a combination of traditional Jiangnan design and Western European architectural style during the French Renaissance. At the end, there is a large ballroom, which is also very impressive.