Qingguo Lane (青果巷), situated in the central-southern part of the old city area of Changzhou, China, holds a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, with its origins believed to trace to the years before 1581 during the Wanli era. The entire neighborhood spans approximately 400 meters east to west and 200 meters north to south, covering an area of around 8.7 hectares. Initially facing the canal section of the urban area, Qingguo Lane thrived as a bustling hub for north-south fruit trade, hosting a myriad of boats along its shores. In its early days, it was even referred to as “Qian Guo Xiang,” translating to “Thousand Fruits Lane.”
As the canal’s course was altered over time, the lane’s name endured, giving rise to the present-day Qingguo Lane. The nomenclature itself is an interesting linguistic play, as the local Changzhou dialect makes it challenging to distinguish between the characters for “thousand (qian)” and “green (qing),” contributing to the name “Qingguo.”
Within the Qingguo Lane district, architectural gems from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods are predominant. The area boasts historic mansions, ancestral halls, temples, bridges, steles, pavilions, ancient wells, docks, theaters, and educational institutions. Serving as a living testament to Changzhou’s national historical and cultural significance, Qingguo Lane is often regarded as a “living fossil” of the city’s past.
While the lane’s charming structures from past eras stand in stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers surrounding it, the slightly weathered appearance of the old houses adds a unique and nostalgic charm to the neighborhood. Qingguo Lane, with its blend of architectural history and cultural richness, continues to captivate visitors with a journey through time in the heart of Changzhou’s old city.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qingguo Lane
- Vlog about Qingguo Lane
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Qingguo Lane
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | The lane is accessible 24 hours a day, but most attractions operate from 9.00 to 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0519-81096688 |
Location and Transportation
Qingguo Lane is nestled in the heart of Tianning District in Changzhou, China. Situated to the south of the ancient Grand Canal, it spans from the eastern starting point at Zhengsu Lane to the western end along Jinling Middle Road. This historic lane serves as a direct route to the bustling commercial center of South Street and extends northward towards the ancient village. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
bus: Take bus 2, 6, 8, 14, 16, 33, 38, 78, 217, 231, T100, or Changzhou K1, get off at Qingguo Lane Agricultural Bank Stop (青果巷农业银行站), and walk about 100 meters to the north to reach the area.
Metro: The closest metro station to Qingguo Lane is Wenhuagong (文化宫) on line 1 and line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit 5B, walk about 200 meters to the south to reach the area.
Highlights of Qingguo Lane
Shi Liang’s Former Residence
Located on the east side of Qingguo Lane’s historical and cultural district, Shi Liang Former Residence is a single-story structure with three sections, designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site in Changzhou. The residence features exhibitions on Shi Liang’s life, a hall dedicated to legal scholars of Changzhou, and a cultural gallery promoting the rule of law.
Qingguo Lane Cultural Memory Museum
Positioned at Lü Mansion in Qingguo Lane, this museum serves as the central hub of the exhibition community. Covering an area of 1200 square meters, the museum focuses on the theme “Cultural Heritage and Artisan Spirit,” presenting the enduring cultural characteristics of Changzhou through the lens of its canal history, profound cultural roots, and urban vitality. The space serves various functions, including exhibition, dissemination, education, creativity, and research.
Zhao Yuanren Art Center
Situated in the Lü Mansion of Qingguo Lane, the Zhao Yuanren Art Center commemorates the renowned humanistic scholar Zhao Yuanren. The exhibition, titled “Teach Me How Not to Miss Him,” pays tribute to this 20th-century cultural bridge between East and West. Zhao Yuanren, a pioneer in modern Chinese linguistics and musicology, significantly influenced China’s linguistic and musical landscape.
Tang Jingchuan Memorial Hall
The Tang Jingchuan Memorial Hall honors Tang Shunzhi, an outstanding literary figure, Neo-Confucian scholar, and anti-Japanese hero of the Ming Dynasty. Located in the Zhenhe Hall of Qingguo Lane, the memorial hall showcases Tang Jingchuan’s life, marked by unwavering integrity and a commitment to benefiting society. The exhibition highlights his broad knowledge, leaving a profound imprint on Changzhou’s history.
Changzhou Democratic Alliance History Museum
The Changzhou Democratic Alliance History Museum, situated in the Lihe Hall of Qingguo Lane, chronicles the alliance’s 66-year journey as an integral part of the patriotic united front led by the Communist Party of China. The museum, organized around themes of public service, political engagement, and social innovation, underscores the alliance’s historical development, cultural inheritance, and contributions to the multi-party cooperation in Changzhou.
Huiyuan Fang Ruins
Located south of the Zhenhe Hall, the Huiyuan Fang Ruins commemorate Tang Jingchuan’s success in the imperial examination in the eighth year of the Jiajing era (1529). The surviving southern stone pillar, made of yellow sandstone, bears witness to this historical achievement.
Jinshi Fang Ruins
Originally named Father and Son Jinshi Fang, built in the twentieth year of the Jiajing era (1541) to honor the successive generations of jinshi (imperial scholars) Dong Shao and Dong Shihong, the site was later renamed Jinshi Fang. Only one southern stone pillar remains as a testament to this historical recognition.
Zhou Youguang Library
The residence of Zhou Youguang, located in the Lao Lihe Hall of Qingguo Lane, is a typical riverside dwelling with a brick and wood structure. Originally one of the eight mansions of the Tang family, it was inhabited by Tang Jingchuan’s uncle, the painter Tang Shining. The three-section wooden structure, with a width of 16.3 meters and a depth of 8.8 meters, now houses the Zhou Youguang Library. The courtyard features a bronze statue of Zhou Youguang and his wife, donated by the China Clippings Society, telling the silent love story of Zhou Youguang and Zhang Yunhe, one of the “Four Sisters of Hefei” from the Republic of China era.
Yanghu County Chenghuang Temple Opera House
Located in the eastern section of Qingguo Lane, the Chenghuang Temple Opera House was built in the 24th year of the Qianlong era (1759). Renowned opera troupes once performed here regularly. The opera house, with its double-eaved roof and two-story wooden structure supported by stone pillars, boasts intricate wood carvings inside and out. After restoration, the ancient opera house’s ridges now feature lifelike fish-dragon and blue dragon sculptures. In 2006, it was declared a cultural heritage site in Jiangsu Province.
Vlog about Qingguo Lane
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Proximity to Red Plum Park and High-speed Railway Station: Qingguo Lane is conveniently located near Red Plum Park and the high-speed railway station, making it easily accessible.
Diverse Small Shops and Delicious Food: Inside Qingguo Lane, you’ll find a variety of small shops offering different products and delicious food options. The lane provides a glimpse into the historical culture of old Changzhou while also featuring modern elements such as various programs and commercial aspects.
Highlights and Recommendations: One highlighted recommendation is a specific shop inside Qingguo Lane known for its tasty shrimp cakes. Make sure to try them!
Manageable Size and Time Frame: Qingguo Lane is not very large, and it’s mentioned that visitors can explore it in approximately half a day. No entrance fee is required, making it an accessible and cost-effective destination.
Parking Information: For those driving to the area, there is a parking lot provided by the scenic spot, making it convenient for visitors with their own vehicles.
Strolling leisurely through Qingguo Lane for an entire afternoon, I found there weren’t many shops. It felt less lively and vibrant compared to Nanchang Street in Wuxi, and there were also fewer dining options.
The experience at Qingguo Lane was exceptional. Compared to Hefang Street and Xiahezhijie in Hangzhou, Qingguo Lane feels less commercialized. Each shop and historical building has a charming and delicate vibe.
I visited on a Saturday evening, and it was not too crowded, which made it very comfortable to stroll around. I bought some famous shrimp crackers and rice cakes, and they tasted quite good at a reasonable price.
In the ancient alleys, time seems to slow down. We took some photos, checked in, and together with the kids, searched for hidden hydrangeas and narcissus tucked away in the corners, or fed the little fish in the clear pond. It was a perfect blend of nature and culture.
Qingguo Alley is an ancient street hidden in the downtown area, and it’s definitely worth a visit for tourists traveling to Changzhou. Especially the first phase, which has preserved its original site. Every spot is a scenic attraction, making it perfect for photos. The experience differs beautifully between day and night.
I walked to Qingguo Lane. Although the night was still hot, it was much better than during the day. For me, Qingguo Lane feels like another Laomendong (老门东) in Nanjing. A unique experience was that I happened to encounter some traditional costume performers showcasing their talents—playing the pipa (琵琶), flute (笛子), and dancing. It was quite a feast for the eyes and ears. Even though I was sweating so much that it dripped into my eyes, I still managed to… Read more »
The alley is filled with the former residences, memorial halls, and libraries of many historical celebrities, truly deserving its reputation as the “First Alley of Jiangnan Literati.”
Recommended places to visit in Qingguo Lane: Zhou Youguang Library (周有光图书馆): It records the life, academic contributions, and bronze statues of Zhou Youguang, known as the “Father of Pinyin” in China, as well as Zhou Youguang’s study room. Tang Jingchuan Memorial Hall (唐荆川纪念馆): Also known as Zhenhetang, it is the main residence among the eight Tang family residences, the earliest residence of the Tang family, and the most complete, highest standard, and grandest ancient building preserved in Qingguo Lane. Half… Read more »
1. Qingguo Alley Boat Tour
⌚ Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ticket price: 48 yuan/person (approximately 30 minutes)
Boarding point: Walk about 100 meters inward from the West Gate
2. Ancient Canal Kayaking ♀️
⌚ Opening hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ticket price: 38 yuan/person (approximately 30 minutes)
Boarding point: Opposite Starbucks along the canal bank
While strolling in Qingguo Alley, a girl dressed as a rabbit approached and held hands with a child, asking to take a photo together. After the photo was taken, she immediately pulled out a payment code, with printed words: “I am a deaf-mute. Please pay 20 yuan for the photo.” Not long after, another person dressed as Sun Wukong appeared, wanting to hold the hand of the child. This time, the child hid behind me. The amount of money involved… Read more »
✅Qingguo Alley Historical and Cultural District Phase One and Phase Two
1️⃣Phase One belongs to the old town area, along the canal, mainly featuring ancient buildings such as old residences, archways, docks, money houses, ancient wells, stages, bookstores, as well as various teahouses and unique snacks.
2️⃣Phase Two is a newly built commercial and cultural area, in addition to old buildings, it also integrates new art, modern sculptures, lighting art, special cultural markets, and various trendy gourmet foods.