Ming and Qing Dynasty Famous Mansions in Shanghai

Author: Wu Yongfu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The existing Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture in Shanghai is not only concentrated in the old city area but also scattered across various towns and villages. Through the author's investigation, there are approximately several hundred such sites, many of which are former residences of famous figures, including historical scholars, scientists, writers, and artists, as well as the mansions of high-ranking officials, such as the "Scholar's Tower," "Minister's Hall," and "Governor's Mansion," etc. By studying these famous residences, the author gained a deeper understanding of Shanghai's history, as these structures embody a solidified past with a rich sense of inclusivity. After years of investigation, research, and photography, the author has compiled a collection of famous residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Shanghai. The book is richly illustrated and divided into eight chapters, each preceded by over 10,000 words of introduction, providing detailed accounts of the stories of famous figures in specific regions, the current state of their residences, as well as the author's travel experiences and research process. As a visual record of Shanghai's cultural resources, the book holds significant market value. Each of the famous residences featured in the book bears witness to the vicissitudes of its former owners. The book also offers considerable readability. The book covers over 100 residential sites from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Shanghai, selecting only the most notable or larger standalone buildings. Moreover, the author uses the term "site" (), which is a vague concept, neither referring to a specific building nor a room, as some ancient communities had a collective structure that was difficult to count.