Zheng Banqiao’s Former Residence, a Hidden Gem in Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province
A few days ago, I came to Xinghua, Jiangsu with my friends. Xinghua is a historic city with a history of over 2000 years, and has produced outstanding talents since ancient times, with a deep cultural heritage. Zheng Banqiao, a famous calligrapher and painter of the Qing Dynasty and the first of the 'Eight Strange Persons of Yangzhou,' was born in Xinghua. Therefore, visiting 'Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence' is a must-see.
Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence is located at No. 51, Banqiao East Road, Xinghua City, which is close to Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall and Xinghua's famous historical street, Jindongmen Old Street. It is the most concentrated area of Xinghua's ancient charm. However, visitors to Xinghua seem to often overlook it, mainly because of the fame of the 'Ten Thousand Layers of Rape Flowers'. But it is still worth a visit, and the entrance fee is only 10 yuan.
The overall scale of the residence is not large, facing south and north, with two courtyards. The main house has three rooms, a guest room and two bedrooms on the east and west sides. There is a small study on the left side of the main house, as well as a gatehouse, kitchen and private school, totaling eight houses. Although small, the overall layout is very exquisite, with white walls and black tiles and bamboo, creating a quiet atmosphere.
When you pass through the gatehouse and enter the courtyard, you can see a memorial stone on the wall, commemorating the restoration of Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence, which was fully restored in 1983. Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence was fully restored in 1983.
The guest room is not large but very warm and inviting, with a solemn and stable layout. The living objects inside are all replicas.
Some people may ask, since Zheng Banqiao is a native of Xinghua, why is he known as the 'First of the Eight Strange Persons of Yangzhou'? Zheng Banqiao was a famous calligrapher and painter of the Qing Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty, Xinghua belonged to the Yangzhou Prefecture. He loved to paint bamboo, orchids and stone, and was known as 'the Three Great Masters.'
The guest room on both sides is a bedroom, and because it is a renovated scene, it is unknown whether it is arranged according to Zheng Banqiao's life scene. But the feeling is very rustic and simple.
Next to the main house is the 'Small Study,' which was Mr. Zheng's writing and painting place. There is a small courtyard in front of the house, with a small bamboo planted in it.
Opposite the main house is Mr. Zheng's private school. There are four large characters engraved on the lintel of the school, 'Seeking Shelter from Wind and Rain,' which were written by Zheng Banqiao himself. He always longed for spiritual freedom and had a low desire for private property, only needing a place to 'Seek Shelter from Wind and Rain.'
In his later years, Zheng Banqiao lived in 'Yonglu Garden'. Yonglu Garden was located in a ravine with bamboo trees and shady scenery, creating a very quiet and beautiful place, which was one of the beautiful places in Xinghua's ancient city. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by burning during the war. Later, a Yonglu Garden was built next to Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence, based on its appearance.
There are many lush bamboo trees planted in Yonglu Garden, which gives people a feeling of being in the countryside. You can vaguely see the appearance of the old residence.
There is a stone pavilion in the garden, with many inscribed stones praising Zheng Banqiao's poems and songs. There are 18 inscriptions in total. If you are interested in the inscriptions, you can examine them one by one.
After visiting Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence, I deeply understood what Mr. Zheng wrote: 'A refined room doesn't need to be large, and the fragrance of flowers doesn't need to be abundant.' I wonder, have you been to Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence when you visit Xinghua? What impression do you have about it? Welcome to leave comments.
