Li Xiangjun Residence Exhibition Hall

Situated at the southern end of Laiyan Bridge by the beautiful Qinhuai River, it was the former residence of Li Xiangjun, a noted prostitute in the period of the late Ming Dynasty and the early Qing Dynasty. In spite of being a prostitute, she was clear on matters of the principle, good at telling the loyal from the evil, and noble in keeping national integrity, hence enjoying admiration of people in following generations. Kong Shangren, a famous playwright in the Qing Dynasty, took her love with a handsome and brilliant young scholar Hou Fangyu as the theme, having written “The Peach Blossom Fan”, a drama of indelible significance. A central character in The Peach Blossom Fan proclaims: “The blossom of the peach tree are fragile as snowflakes, the grasses faint as mist. Spring has conquered both banks of the river here where the courtesans dwell, each house graced by its own beauties.”

Former residence of Li Xiangjun is a typical riverside building of the Qing style with three inner sections and two courtyards which have orange osmanthuses, vines and plantains well set off with delicate rockeries from Taihu Lake, creating an antique atmosphere. This scenic spot is composed of historical exhibition of “Eight Beauties by Qinhuai River” and the exhibition room of former residence of Li Xiangjun. There is an exhibition on the life of these eight beauties by Qinhuai River, i.e. Liu Rushi, Ma Xianglan, Chen Yuanyuan, Li Xiangjun, Bian Yujing, Gu Henbo, Kou Baimen and Dong Xiaowan. The exhibition room includes Li Xiangjun’s bedroom, study, sitting-room and a room for playing the stringed musical instrument.