The Former Residence of Shen Congwen (沈从文旧居) is located at No. 10, Zhongying Street in the ancient town of Fenghuang, Hunan Province, in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Built in 1866 during the fifth year of the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, the residence is a traditional Southern courtyard house with a distinctive Xiangxi architectural style from the Ming and Qing periods. It features a “Chuandou” wooden structure, which is a typical architectural form in southern China. The residence is divided into two main buildings, with a central pavilion connecting them. The entire structure faces east, and the complex spans 20 meters in width and 30 meters in length, covering an area of 600 square meters.
At the center of the courtyard lies a small, open-air patio paved with red stone slabs. Surrounding the courtyard are over ten rooms, including the main hall, side chambers, and front rooms, all built in a combination of brick and wood. Despite its simplicity, the residence is rich in traditional Xiangxi features, especially in the intricately carved wooden windows, which add an air of elegance to the otherwise unadorned structure.
Above the entrance to the residence hangs a plaque inscribed with “Former Residence of Shen Congwen 沈从文旧居.” Inside, the right chamber contains a collection of photographs documenting Shen Congwen’s life. The second room houses manuscripts and handwritten notes from his work. The left wing of the house displays various editions of Shen Congwen’s published works. A sketch portrait of Shen Congwen hangs in the main hall, while the bedroom to the left is where Shen Congwen was born. The room on the right preserves several of his personal items, including a rosewood desk, a wicker chair, and a wooden bed frame. Although the residence lacks ornate carvings or luxurious decorations, the detailed woodwork and traditional elements reflect the cultural heritage of Xiangxi.
Shen Congwen (1902–1988), born Shen Yuehuan, was a renowned Chinese writer and historian of the Miao ethnic group, hailing from Fenghuang. In 1924, Shen Congwen began publishing his literary works, and he soon gained recognition. He later held prestigious teaching positions at Peking University and the National Southwest Associated University. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Shen Congwen shifted his focus to historical and cultural studies, producing over 70 works, amounting to nearly three million words. His notable works include Border Town, The Long River, and Essays on Xiangxi. Many of his works have been translated into multiple languages, making him an internationally recognized author. In his later years, Shen’s research on ancient Chinese clothing, A Study of Ancient Chinese Clothing, was highly regarded.
Shen Congwen also held key positions in China’s cultural institutions, including serving as a member of the National Writers’ Association and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. His contributions to both literature and cultural studies have left an indelible mark on Chinese history.
