Weekend getaway destination: Come to Nanguanxiang to see the iron ruyi from the Song dynasty!

Nanguanxiang Historical and Cultural Block is named after the guanxiang (a type of gate) built by Zhou Zongyi, a Ming dynasty loyalist who resisted the Qing dynasty. In history, there was a yanglongfang (a type of fire-fighting facility) in Nanguanxiang Street.

Zhou Zongyi set up 10 guanxiang and 42 water fences on the main roads of water and land in Xieshi Town, which were opened early and closed late to prevent thieves. Nanguanxiang is the only remaining relic.

When the Qing army entered the pass, Zhou Zongyi spent all his family property to recruit thousands of volunteers. Later, he died in the battle to defend his hometown, and his wife also drowned herself. Today, there is a Zhou Zongyi Memorial Hall in Nanguanxiang Street, and his spirit still exists.

The iron ruyi from the Song dynasty in the museum was used by Zhou Zongyi to fight against the Qing army. It was a gift from Zhao Qingxian in the Song dynasty, and later obtained by Zhang Zongxiang, who named his study "Iron Ruyi Hall" in memory of it.

The municipal-level cultural relics protection units in Nanguanxiang Street include Nanguanxiang, Wu Shichang's Former Residence, Guandi Temple Hall, and Dayao Bridge. The Huanshui Bridge opposite Guandi Temple, also known as Xihuan Bridge, was built in the fourth year of the Jianwen period of the Ming dynasty (1402). It is commonly known as "Tang Bridge" and is a three-ring arch bridge.

Nanguanxiang Street relies on the convenience of the Grand Canal to sell grain from the four townships of the county, commonly known as "Xianghuo Xing Rice Shop". The buildings in Nanguanxiang Street are built along the Luotang River, with shops in the front and workshops in the back, mostly from the Qing dynasty to the Republic of China.

The houses on the inner side of the street are mostly multi-entry courtyards, with the deepest courtyards having as many as six entries. Generally, the first entry is a simple shop, and the latter entries are more elaborate, reflecting the social culture of "wealth is not shown outside".

Famous people such as historian Wu Qichang, Redologist Wu Shichang, and film art educator Shen Songsheng came from here. On the other side of the river is the Third China Silk Factory founded by Xu Zhimo's father, which is now the Kangqiao 1924 Cultural and Creative Park.

The street is open until late at night, with museums, memorial halls, and art galleries (Zhang Jialing) gathered together. No reservation is required and admission is free, making it very suitable for reverse travel during holidays.

Post by HazelMorris_82 | Feb 12, 2025