Shipingmei Former Residence in Yangquan

Shi Pingmei Former Residence (石评梅故居) is a Qing Dynasty (清雍正) residential complex located in Xiaohe Village (小河村), suburban Yangquan City (阳泉市郊区), and in Gugusi Lane (姑姑寺巷), Guanshan Town (冠山镇), Pingding County (平定县), Shanxi Province (山西省). The Xiaohe Village residence, also known as “Shijia Garden” (石家花园), was first built during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty. It faces east to west, covers approximately 10,000 m², with a building area of around 700 m². The complex consists of 21 courtyard houses, including front courtyards, inner courtyards, and side courtyards (三合院, 四合院, 偏院). The front courtyard features an inverted hall, screen wall, and main gate. The inner courtyard contains the main house and north-south wings, while the side courtyards include the Qiyun Pavilion (栖云阁, Shi Pingmei’s residence), brick-and-wood houses, and brick-and-stone cave dwellings. The architectural complex preserves exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings.

The Pingding County residence follows the northern siheyuan (四合院) layout and includes Peach Blossom Garden (桃花园) and a cultural relic management area, covering 1,500 m². Both sites display exhibits about Shi Pingmei’s life, as well as her literary works, including Taoyu (《涛语》) and Suxin (《素心》).

Biography of Shi Pingmei

Shi Pingmei (石评梅) was a prominent Chinese female writer, recognized as one of the “Four Talented Women of the Republic of China” (民国四大才女) alongside Lü Bicheng (吕碧城), Zhang Ailing (张爱玲), and Xiao Hong (萧红). Her childhood name was Xin Zhu (心珠), and her formal name was Ru Bi (汝璧). Admiring the elegance and perseverance of plum blossoms, she adopted the pen name Shi Pingmei (石评梅). Other pen names she used included Ms. Pingmei (评梅女士), Bo Wei (波微), Shuxue (漱雪), Binghua (冰华), Xin Zhu (心珠), Mengdai (梦黛), and Lin Na (林娜).

Born in Pingding County (平定县), Shanxi (山西省), Shi Pingmei received a rigorous family education under her father, Shi Ming (石铭), a late Qing scholar (举人), and her mother, his second wife. She studied at Taiyuan Normal School, excelling academically, with a strong interest in literature, painting, music, and sports.

In 1919, she entered Beijing Women’s Higher Normal School (北京女子高等师范学校). Initially intending to major in Chinese literature, she enrolled in the physical education department due to enrollment limitations. During this period, she became close friends with prominent figures such as Feng Yuanjun (冯沅君) and Su Xuelin (苏雪林), and her literary career flourished. Shi Pingmei published poetry, essays, travelogues, and novels in various journals, including Yusi (《语丝》), Chenbao Supplement (《晨报副刊》), Literary Fortnightly (《文学旬刊》), and Women’s Weekly (《妇女周刊》). Her novels, including Red-Maned Horse (《红鬃马》) and Pi Ma Si Feng Lu (《匹马嘶风录》), focus on the pursuit of love, truth, freedom, and light.

After graduating in 1923, she remained at the school as director of the female section and taught Chinese and physical education. She experienced a poignant love affair with Gao Junyu (高君宇), whose death in 1925 deeply affected her. Shi Pingmei herself died of meningitis on September 30, 1928, in the same hospital where Gao Junyu had passed. Her remains were interred beside Gao Junyu’s tomb according to her wishes. A memorial hall for Shi Pingmei is located in Xiaohe Village (小河村), and Pingding County (平定县) hosts Pingmei Square (评梅广场).

Architecture and Cultural Heritage

  • Xiaohe Village Residence: 21 courtyards (三合院, 四合院, 偏院), Qiyun Pavilion (栖云阁), brick-and-wood houses, brick-and-stone cave dwellings. Preserves brick, wood, and stone carvings.
  • Pingding County Residence: Northern siheyuan layout, Peach Blossom Garden (桃花园), cultural relic management area.
  • Both sites feature exhibits about Shi Pingmei’s life and works.

Shi Pingmei’s former residences are now provincial-level cultural relic protection units and revolutionary tradition education bases, reflecting her literary achievements and historical significance.

Travel Tips

  • Location: Xiaohe Village (小河村), suburban Yangquan City (阳泉市郊区); Gugusi Lane (姑姑寺巷), Guanshan Town (冠山镇), Pingding County (平定县)
  • Accessibility: Convenient by road from Yangquan City; visitors can combine a trip with nearby scenic areas such as Cuifeng Mountain Natural Scenic Area (翠枫山自然风景区).
  • Highlights: Historical architecture, literary exhibitions, Qiyun Pavilion (栖云阁), Peach Blossom Garden (桃花园).
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring for blossoms, autumn for mild weather; suitable for cultural enthusiasts and literature fans.