I. Introduction to OCT Orient China Travel Company

OCT Orient China Travel Company is a professional travel agency dedicated to offering outstanding travel experiences across China. With a team of experienced travel experts, we strive to create memorable journeys for every traveler.

 

We understand that each traveler has unique interests and expectations. Hence, we carefully design a wide variety of travel itineraries that cover different aspects of China, from its historical and cultural heritages to its modern marvels. Whether you are fascinated by ancient architectures, eager to explore traditional folk cultures, or interested in experiencing the fast-paced urban life in modern cities, we can tailor the perfect trip for you.

 

Our commitment lies in providing excellent services from the moment you start planning your trip until you return home. We take care of all the details, including transportation arrangements, hotel bookings, and guided tours, ensuring that you can enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience in this amazing country. Through our efforts, we hope to help more and more international friends discover the true charm of China and fall in love with traveling here.

II. Location and General Introduction of the Former Residence of Shen Congwen

A. Where It's Located

The Former Residence of Shen Congwen is located in the charming Phoenix Ancient Town, which lies in Xiangxi Tujia & Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, bordering on the southwestern Guizhou Province and the west of Songtao, Tongren County. This location endows it with rich ethnic cultural flavors and a unique geographical significance. It is nestled among various historical and natural attractions, attracting numerous tourists who are eager to explore the cultural and historical heritages of this area.

B. Overview of the Residence

The former residence was built in the 5th year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1866). It is a wooden courtyard dwelling that showcases the traditional architectural style of that period. With a moderate scale, it features a courtyard in the center, around which are distributed around ten rooms. These rooms, though not overly large, are exquisitely decorated with special carved wooden windows, adding a touch of elegance. The whole residence gives people a sense of historical vicissitudes and cultural profundity, and now it is listed as provincial units of cultural relics protection, standing as a significant witness to Shen Congwen's early life and the local cultural history.

III. Architectural Features of the Residence

A. Style and Layout

The Former Residence of Shen Congwen showcases a traditional wooden courtyard architectural style that vividly reflects the characteristics of the Qing Dynasty when it was built in 1866. Its layout is centered around a courtyard, which is a common feature in traditional Chinese dwellings of that period. Around this courtyard, there are approximately ten rooms distributed in an orderly manner. The rooms, though not overly spacious, are designed with great care. The whole residence follows a symmetrical and harmonious layout principle, presenting a sense of order and stability. The exterior walls are made of wooden planks, giving it a simple yet elegant appearance. The roof is in the typical slope style of ancient Chinese architecture, with upturned eaves at the corners, adding a touch of gracefulness and also showing the unique charm of traditional Chinese architecture from that historical era.

B. Special Structures

One of the most notable special structures within the residence is the carved wooden windows. These are not just ordinary windows but are exquisitely carved with various traditional patterns, such as floral motifs, geometric shapes, and some symbolic figures that were popular in the local folk culture at that time. They not only serve as functional openings for ventilation and light but also act as decorative elements that enhance the artistic atmosphere of the entire residence. Another remarkable structure is the courtyard itself. It is paved with stone slabs, and in the middle, there might have been small flower beds or potted plants in the past, creating a quiet and pleasant space. Around the courtyard, there are small corridors connecting the different rooms, allowing people to move around easily while enjoying the view of the courtyard. Additionally, the entrance gate of the residence also has its unique design. It is usually made of solid wood with some simple yet meaningful carvings on it, giving people a solemn and warm feeling when entering the residence, as if stepping back in time to experience Shen Congwen's early life environment.

IV. The Story behind Shen Congwen and His Residence

A. Shen Congwen's Life and Achievements

Shen Congwen was a renowned figure in Chinese literature and history. He was not only a famous author but also a respected historian. As an author, he had a unique writing style that was deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the folk cultures he was exposed to. His works often depicted the lives of people in Xiangxi area with vivid details and rich emotions.

 

Some of his outstanding works that made him widely known include "Border Town". In this novel, he painted a beautiful yet somewhat melancholic picture of the small town life along the border, with its simple yet charming characters and their stories of love and life. Another notable work is "The Long River", which further explored the cultural and social aspects of the region, showing the changes and the unchanging traditions over time. His writings have influenced generations of readers both in China and abroad, making him an important figure in the history of Chinese literature.

B. His Connection with the Residence

The Former Residence of Shen Congwen witnessed crucial periods of his life. It was in this very place where he grew up, surrounded by the unique ethnic cultures and folk traditions of Xiangxi. The environment here, with its ancient streets, simple folk customs, and the warm neighborhood, deeply influenced his creative career.

 

The traditional architecture and the daily life scenes he observed in and around the residence became the source materials for many of his works. The sounds of the flowing river nearby, the conversations of the local people in the courtyard, and the changing seasons he witnessed all inspired his creativity and enabled him to create those vivid and touching stories that are still cherished today. It can be said that this residence was like a cradle for his literary dreams, nurturing his talent and helping him to establish his own unique literary style that left a deep mark on the history of Chinese literature.

V. Tourist Highlights of the Residence

A. Exhibition Areas

The Former Residence of Shen Congwen has several fascinating exhibition areas. There are rooms dedicated to displaying Shen Congwen's photos, which allow tourists to have a visual understanding of different periods of his life, from his childhood in this very residence to his later years when he was engaged in literary creation in other places.

 

The exhibition rooms showing his writings are also highlights. Here, you can find manuscripts of his famous works like "Border Town" and "The Long River", as well as some of his early writings and drafts. Through these, visitors can trace his creative thoughts and the evolution of his writing style. In addition, there are areas exhibiting his personal items, such as the writing desks and chairs he used, and the books he read. These personal items seem to tell the story of his daily life and how he immersed himself in the world of literature. By visiting these exhibition areas, tourists can deeply learn about Shen Congwen's life story, his literary achievements, and the cultural background that influenced his creation.

B. Cultural Experience Activities

At the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, tourists can enjoy some interesting cultural experience activities. For example, there are calligraphy experiences related to the cultural heritage he left behind. You can pick up a writing brush and try to write down some sentences from his works in traditional Chinese calligraphy style, feeling the charm of the words on the paper just as he did when he was creating.

 

Moreover, there are also traditional handicraft experiences available. Inspired by the folk cultures depicted in Shen Congwen's works, you can learn to make some simple handicrafts that were common in the Xiangxi area at that time. These activities not only add more fun to the visit but also enable tourists to have a more immersive experience of the cultural connotations associated with Shen Congwen and this unique place.

VI. Tips for Visiting

A. Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen. During spring, the whole Phoenix Ancient Town is surrounded by blooming flowers and fresh greenery. The mild temperature makes it pleasant for you to stroll around the residence and enjoy the charm of this historical place. In autumn, the weather is cool and comfortable. The ancient town takes on a different kind of beauty with the fallen leaves, creating a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly matches the historical and cultural connotations of Shen Congwen's former residence.

B. Visiting Precautions

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Former Residence of Shen Congwen is truly a remarkable destination that combines historical charm, cultural significance, and literary allure. Its traditional architecture, rich exhibitions, and engaging cultural activities offer a unique opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the life and works of Shen Congwen and the vibrant folk culture of Xiangxi.

 

The residence stands as a testament to a bygone era, allowing us to peek into the early life of this great literary figure and understand how the local environment shaped his creative genius. Whether you are an avid literature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to explore the hidden gems of China, this place has something special to offer.

 

We, at OCT Orient China Travel Company, are dedicated to making your journey to the Former Residence of Shen Congwen and other wonderful destinations in China as smooth and memorable as possible. With our professional services and carefully crafted itineraries, we ensure that you can fully enjoy every aspect of your trip.