Exploring Shen Deqian's Former Residence: A Literary Journey Through Time

Shen Deqian's former residence is located at No. 26 Kuotou Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou. Shen Deqian (1676 - 1769), styled Queshi and known as Guiyu, was a renowned poet of the Qing Dynasty who held the positions of Minister of Rites and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, making him a literary giant during the Qianlong era. Built in the 11th year of the Qianlong reign (1746), the residence originally had a grand scale with seven courtyards. Today, only a small portion remains, covering approximately 400 square meters. It consists of a three-section layout, two small courtyards, and an eastern side alley. The structure, made of early Qing wooden architecture, is a protected cultural relic in Suzhou. Facing south, the residence features a screen wall at the southern entrance, which served both practical and symbolic purposes, such as privacy, protection, and feng shui benefits. Entering the first section, the entrance hall spans three bays with a depth of seven sections. It features a flat beam structure, a rear canopy, and a pouch beam. The hall prominently displays a plaque reading "Shen Deqian's Former Residence," inscribed by Suzhou calligrapher Wa Weng. On either side are couplets that read, "Planting trees to nurture fine descendants; Embracing books to honor small lords," reflecting Shen Deqian's joyful retirement life of reading and teaching. This area now serves as a tourist information and reception center, offering multilingual consultations, translation devices, guided tours, and itinerary planning. The second section, originally the sedan hall, has been reconstructed after the original was destroyed. It spans three bays with a depth of seven sections, featuring a front canopy and intricately carved beams. The central plaque, "Elder of the Poetry Circle," was personally inscribed by Emperor Qianlong, showcasing the emperor's favor towards Shen Deqian. Today, this area serves as a showcase for Suzhou craftsmanship and arts, including displays of Suzhou handicrafts and works by the head of the Suzhou Kunqu Opera troupe. The third section, the main hall known as "Jiaozhong Hall," spans three bays with a depth of eight sections. It features a southern corridor, a front canopy, lotus-shaped stools, and finely carved beams with motifs of cranes and flowing clouds. The hall's construction is meticulous, with nanmu pillars measuring 330 millimeters in diameter. The central plaque, "Jiaozhong Hall," was inscribed by contemporary calligrapher Gu Tinglong and is also referred to as the "Official Hat Hall" due to its decorative elements resembling official hat wings. Currently, the main hall serves as a cultural and artistic experience area. In 1982, the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Training Institute resumed operations here, and it continues to host Kunqu performances, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of this traditional art form up close. Strolling through Shen Deqian's former residence feels like conversing with history, immersing oneself in Shen Deqian's literary legacy and the unique charm of Kunqu Opera—a truly unforgettable cultural experience.