The Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum (江南百床馆), also known locally as Family Zhao’s Mansion (赵家厅), is a cultural gem nestled within Wuzhen, a picturesque water town in the Jiangnan region of China. Spanning an area of over 1200 square meters, it stands as the first museum in China dedicated exclusively to the collection and exhibition of ancient Jiangnan beds. Housing dozens of exquisite beds from the Ming, Qing, and modern periods, it showcases the rich cultural heritage of bed-making in the Jiangnan region.
The museum’s collection boasts a diverse array of beds, ranging from the grandiose to the humble, reflecting the social and economic diversity of Jiangnan society. Visitors can marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of beds such as the horseshoe-foot large brush rack bed and the maiden bed from the Ming Dynasty, as well as the arhat bed from the Qing Dynasty. These beds not only exemplify the unique bed culture of Jiangnan but also serve as a testament to the varying lifestyles of the affluent elite and the common folk, making the museum a comprehensive showcase of Chinese bed culture.
The Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum is divided into three exhibition halls, each offering a unique display of bed-related artifacts. The first hall predominantly showcases beds constructed with wooden frames, characterized by their simple yet balanced designs that emphasize clean lines and artistic form. The second hall highlights beds adorned with intricate wood carvings, with the centerpiece being the renowned Qing Dynasty Thousand-Work Bed. This bed, crafted from boxwood, measures 217 cm in length, 366 cm in depth, and 292 cm in height, consisting of three layers and taking three years to carve with over a thousand workers involved, hence its name. Finally, the third hall exhibits beds designed for leisure and practicality, catering to both the luxurious tastes of wealthy merchants and the functional needs of ordinary citizens.
Each bed in the museum holds rich historical and cultural significance, serving as a window into the aspirations and values of ancient society. Visitors can gain insights into the mindset of the ancients from the sophisticated carvings and decorations, whether seeking peace, prosperity, or posterity, while marveling at the ingenious designs and exquisite craftsmanship employed by Ming and Qing artisans in bed-making.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for the eastern section of Wuzhen Water Town |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0573-88731088 |
Location and Transportation
The Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum is located at 210 East Street, Tongxiang, Wuzhen, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China. To get there, you can take bus Tongxiang K019 or Tongxiang K232, get off at Dongzha Scenic Area Stop (东栅景区站), and walk about 350 meters to the north.
