Shen Junru Former Residence
China · Zhejiang · Jiaxing · Nanhu District · Landmarks
Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.
Overview
The Shen Junru Former Residence is the home of the renowned modern Chinese jurist and democrat Shen Junru, where he lived and engaged in social activities during his early years in Jiaxing. It is now open to the public as a memorial museum. The residence is located at No. 3 Nanbang'an, Huan Cheng South Road, Jianshe Street, Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, near the historical area of Nanhu, showcasing his life and the development of modern legal history. After major renovations from 1997 to 1998, it officially opened to the public in June 1998 and is now one of the key cultural heritage protection units in the country, serving an important role in patriotic education and legal education.
Getting There
The most convenient way to reach the Shen Junru Former Residence is to take the high-speed train or regular train to 'Jiaxing Station', and then transfer to a bus or taxi to the area around Huan Cheng South Road in Nanhu District, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After arriving at Nanbang'an on Huan Cheng South Road, it is a 3 to 5-minute walk along the river to the entrance of the residence, and visitors can also conveniently explore the Nanhu scenic area and the old city of Jiaxing nearby.
Highlights
The most distinctive feature of the Shen Junru Former Residence is that it uses the original modern residential space to focus on showcasing the life of Shen Junru as a famous jurist, leader of the democratic movement, and the first president of the Supreme People's Court of the new China. The exhibition hall presents his political and legal practices during the periods after the Xinhai Revolution, the Anti-Japanese War, and the early days of the new China through physical documents, photographs, manuscripts, and situational recreations. The residence is also included in the 'Red Resources' and integrity education base of Nanhu District, frequently hosting legal education research, party history learning, and youth-themed educational activities, making it one of the important sites to understand the history of modern Chinese legal systems and the united front.
What to See
1. Main Courtyard and Traditional Architecture: The residence retains the layout of Jiangnan-style houses, with courtyards, halls, and riverside spaces together creating a living scene characteristic of water towns, allowing visitors to experience Shen Junru's living environment in Jiaxing during his early years. 2. Exhibition Hall of Life and Achievements: The hall systematically outlines Shen Junru's important stages from studying in the late Qing Dynasty, participating in the democratic movement, to serving as the president of the Supreme People's Court, accompanied by a wealth of historical photographs, documents, letters, and newspaper materials, showcasing his dual identity as a scholar and politician. 3. Legal Theme Exhibition Area: Some displays specifically introduce Shen Junru's contributions to the construction of modern judicial systems and the advocacy of legal concepts in China, suitable for combining legal education and research activities. 4. Display of Jiaxing and Nanhu's Red Background: The museum and promotional materials also introduce the rich revolutionary and red cultural resources in the area around Nanhu and Jianshe Street, such as the residences of officials from the Korean Provisional Government, the refuge of Kim Gu, and the former residence of Zhu Shenghao, making it convenient for visitors to plan their travel routes.
Hours & Admission
The Shen Junru Former Residence has been officially open to the public as a memorial museum since June 1998, serving as a patriotic education base that is generally open for free. Specific opening hours and whether reservations are required may be adjusted according to the arrangements of the cultural tourism and cultural heritage departments of Jiaxing City and Nanhu District, so it is recommended to check local official cultural tourism information or call the local tourism consultation hotline before visiting to confirm the latest opening times and visiting guidelines.
Address
No. 3 Nanbang'an, Huan Cheng South Road, Jianshe Street, Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province
Travel Tips
It is recommended to arrange a visit to the Shen Junru Former Residence along with the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Site and the old city of Jiaxing on the same day for a more comprehensive understanding of Jiaxing's significance in modern Chinese history. On weekdays, the flow of people is relatively low, making it suitable for in-depth visits and research; during holidays and group activities, it may be busier, so it is advisable to avoid peak times or allow enough time for the visit in advance. Most exhibits are indoors, but the courtyard and surrounding streets require walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended. In summer, pay attention to sun protection and hydration, and bring an umbrella on rainy days for easier walking along the riverside. The residence is a cultural heritage protection unit, so please pay attention to the signs inside the museum, avoid touching exhibits, and refrain from taking photos in sensitive areas.
Nearby Dining
The Shen Junru Former Residence is located near the center of Jiaxing City and the Nanhu scenic area, with many local eateries and restaurants in the surrounding streets where visitors can taste Jiaxing zongzi, soy sauce duck, and other Jiangnan-style dishes. It is recommended to walk or take a short taxi ride to the main commercial streets of the Nanhu scenic area and the old city of Jiaxing, dining at lakeside or old street restaurants, combining a stroll by the lake with the night scenery for a complete day or half-day experience.
FAQ
Q: What kind of place is the Shen Junru Former Residence? A: The Shen Junru Former Residence is a memorial museum and cultural heritage protection unit dedicated to the renowned modern jurist and democrat Shen Junru, originally his residence from 1908 to 1919 in Jiaxing. The museum highlights his significant contributions to the democratic movement, legal construction, and the formation of the judicial system of the new China through the original residence space, illustrated panels, physical materials, and multimedia. Q: Where is the Shen Junru Former Residence, and how do I get there? A: The Shen Junru Former Residence is located at No. 3 Nanbang'an, Huan Cheng South Road, Jianshe Street, Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, near Nanhu and the old city. Visitors can take a train to Jiaxing Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the area around Huan Cheng South Road in Nanhu District, and after getting off, walk a few minutes along the river to reach the entrance of the residence. Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the Shen Junru Former Residence? A: The Shen Junru Former Residence, as a patriotic and legal education base, is usually open for free as a public venue, but specific policies may be adjusted by local cultural tourism and cultural heritage departments. It is recommended to check Jiaxing City or Nanhu District's official cultural tourism information before visiting to confirm whether reservations, real-name registration, and details about the opening hours on the day are needed. Q: What exhibits can be seen at the Shen Junru Former Residence? A: At the Shen Junru Former Residence, visitors can see a large number of images, documents, manuscripts, newspaper materials, and some physical objects related to Shen Junru's life and achievements, as well as recreated living and office spaces. The exhibition content focuses on presenting his multiple identities as a jurist, political activist, and the first president of the Supreme People's Court of the new China, suitable for combining legal and historical theme learning. Q: How long does it take to visit the Shen Junru Former Residence? A: Generally, visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully browse the exhibition halls and courtyard spaces at the Shen Junru Former Residence, and if combined with guided tours or research activities, it may take longer. If planning to visit the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Site and surrounding red attractions (such as the residences of officials from the Korean Provisional Government, the refuge of Kim Gu, and the former residence of Zhu Shenghao) together, it is recommended to allocate half a day to a full day for the visit.