Tianshang Cunqian: A Jiangnan Ancient Village with a Thousand Years of Culture and History

The ancient village of Tianshang Cunqian is characterized by the following features: • Rich history and culture o Long history: Tianshang Cunqian's history can be traced back to the Northern Song Dynasty scholar Hu Yuan, over 600 years ago. His descendants settled in Wuxi and built houses to form "Cunqian Village," which means "encouragement." o Famous people: This is the home of the Hu family, which has produced many outstanding talents. For example, Hu Yuren was a pioneer of modern science and education, and founded the first new school in Wuxi. The "Three Hu Brothers" Hu Dunfu, Hu Mingfu, and Hu Gangfu made remarkable achievements in education, mathematics, and physics. • Unique architecture o Ming and Qing architecture: The village covers only 50 mu, but has more than 90 Ming and Qing buildings, including more than 20 cultural relics, and is known as an "open-air museum of rural architecture." For example, the late Qing residence of Hu Hanxue retains the Republic of China-era doorplates and Jiangnan-style stoves. o East-meets-West elements: When the granary was renovated, yellow bricks with English letters were found, proving that Cunqian was an early fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. The round arched door frame of the fire station has a Western style, reflecting the unique beauty of architectural fusion. • Developed science and education o Origin of modern education: Hu Yuren founded the Hu Public School, the first new school in Wuxi, and also created the single-level independent teaching method, established a normal school and a women's department, making Cunqian the "cradle of modern rural education in China." o Talents in science and education: Many Hu family members studied abroad and returned to China to become leaders in various fields of science and education. For example, Hu Dunfu founded Datong University, Hu Mingfu was the first modern Chinese doctor of mathematics, and Hu Gangfu was the founder of modern Chinese physics. Nearly 100 educators, scientists, and scholars have come from here, earning Tianshang Cunqian the reputation of "China's first village of modern science and education." • Natural and cultural landscapes complement each other o Jiangnan water town scenery: A clear river runs through the village, with stone bridges and weeping willows on the banks, showing the characteristics of a Jiangnan water town with small bridges, flowing water, and blue bricks and black tiles, full of poetic charm. o Cultural and tourism activities: The village offers unique homestays and farmhouses, and hosts a variety of cultural activities such as folk performances, book fairs, traditional snacks, and handicraft exhibitions, as well as commemorative activities such as "Heavenly Blessings, Heavenly Light," attracting many tourists.