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Visit the Former Residence of Wang Duo to explore the historic home of the famous scholar and politician, Wang Duo. The site offers insights into traditional Chinese architecture and the life of a prominent historical figure. Don't miss the beautiful garden surrounding the residence.
Located in Laocheng Village, Huimeng Town, a renowned town in Zhongzhou, the Former Residence of Wang Duo is a National AAA-level scenic spot and a designated cultural relic protection site in Henan Province. It was the residence of Wang Duo, a renowned calligrapher of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Due to historical changes and war, his residence was destroyed by fire. To promote Wang Duo's calligraphy, display his handwritten calligraphy, inscriptions, rubbings, and showcase Ming and Qing architectural art, construction began in November 1998 on a restoration project that adheres to the original appearance of Wang Duo's residence. The restored scenic area primarily comprises the five-courtyard "Taibao Mansion," the Zaizhi Garden, and the Nishan Garden Calligraphy and Inscription Hall, covering an area of over 180 mu (approximately 16 acres) and boasting a building area of over 5,000 square meters. The scenic area houses nearly 400 stone inscriptions by Wang Duo, including over ten long scrolls such as the "Nishan Garden Calligraphy," the "Langhua Pavilion Calligraphy," the "Mianlong Pavilion Calligraphy," and the "Baxiang Pavilion Calligraphy," as well as the Wang family genealogy, calligraphy and paintings, poetry, and self-portraits.
Wang Duo (1592-1652), courtesy name Juesi, also known as Chi'an and Songqiao; Yantan and Yusou; and because his ancestral home was Mengjin, Luoyang, he was also known as Wang Mengjin. He possessed profound and unique skills in calligraphy and painting, making him a renowned calligrapher during the Ming and Qing dynasties. He was granted the title of Prince's Guardian during both the Ming and Qing dynasties, and rose to the positions of Minister of Rites and Grand Secretary of the Dongke Academy.
With a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, the Luoyang Magical Calligraphy Wang Duo's Hometown Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction, a key cultural relic protection unit in Henan Province, an important part of Luoyang's tourist attractions, and one of the national tourist attractions designated by the National Tourism Administration. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
We recommend visiting the former residence of Wang Duo, the legendary calligrapher. The back garden is called "Zaizhi Garden," a classical garden named after two Ganoderma lucidum trees, weighing 2.7 kg and 5.3 kg respectively. Zaizhi Garden covers 90 mu (approximately 1.5 acres), 54 mu of which is occupied by the lake. The garden boasts dozens of varieties of flowers and trees, including willows, peaches, cedars, horsetail pines, bamboo, hollies, roses, peonies, forsythias, white magnolias, privets, palms, plum blossoms, elms, and cypresses.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
15 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
The Former Residence of Wang Duo is a well-preserved historical site that showcases the life and contributions of Wang Duo, an influential figure during the Ming Dynasty. The house reflects traditional architecture and culture, providing a glimpse into the past.
The residence is located in Luoyang, Henan. It can be accessed by taxi or private car, and public transportation options like buses are available. Walking may be feasible depending on your proximity to the site within the city.
The residence is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early mornings during weekdays, as it tends to be less crowded.
The entrance fee is around 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via the official website or ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but is recommended during peak tourist seasons. A few days in advance is usually sufficient for booking online.
About 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the residence, including the garden and historical exhibits.
The most notable highlights are the well-preserved rooms, the study area of Wang Duo, and the traditional architecture of the residence. The surrounding garden is also a peaceful place to explore.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides may be offered in Mandarin. It's best to confirm the availability of English-speaking guides in advance.
The best photography spots include the residence's courtyard and garden, as well as the traditional rooms that showcase the Ming Dynasty design.
Start with the main building to see the preserved rooms and Wang Duo's study. Then, explore the garden and surrounding areas, where you can relax and enjoy the historical setting.
Currently, the residence does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours are limited but can be arranged for larger groups or special occasions.
The residence is typically less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, so visiting during off-peak hours is recommended.
The residence has basic facilities such as toilets and resting areas. However, there are no major food stalls or shops on-site, so it's a good idea to bring snacks or drinks with you.
The attraction is accessible for elderly and children, but some areas may involve stairs. Disabled visitors may face challenges, as the site is not fully equipped with ramps or wheelchair access.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted, and credit cards may be used at the ticket counter. Cash is still commonly used at some small stalls or areas.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes around the area offering Chinese cuisine. For more diverse options, the city center of Luoyang offers a wider range of dining choices.
Vegetarian food is commonly available, and some restaurants may offer halal options, though it's advisable to inquire at the restaurant before ordering.
There are several hotels nearby, ranging from budget to mid-range. For luxury accommodations, you can find more options in the city center of Luoyang.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes and the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum. Both can be easily combined into a day trip from the Former Residence of Wang Duo.
Souvenir shops are available in the city center, where you can buy traditional Chinese crafts, tea sets, and local pottery. The residence itself may have small souvenir stands.
The best way to continue your trip is by taxi or ride-sharing services like Didi. Public transportation options such as buses are available but may require transfers for further destinations.
