Shaoxing | The Architecture, Plum Blossoms, and Cat of the Jiemin Library

🍀Although I only visited the Jiemin Library exhibition, I've already started to envy the people of Shaoxing. · 🍀Jiemin is the courtesy name of the renowned educator, Mr. Cai Yuanpei, known as the "Father of Modern Chinese Education." · 🍀His life spanned the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, and his open-minded thinking, inclusive attitude, and reform practices profoundly changed the landscape of Chinese education and culture. · 🍀His legendary status lies in the fact that, as a gentle scholar, he sowed the seeds of rationality, tolerance, and progress in China during turbulent times. His educational ideals and cultural vision remain an important spiritual legacy to this day. · 🍀It is said that "to see the true character of Jiangnan, look to Shaoxing," and the spirit of Cai Yuanpei is one of the interpretations of Shaoxing's character. · 🌱The Jiemin Library is a very new library, consisting of the Jiemin Library, the Jiemin Theater, and Cai Yuanpei Square. 🌱The architecture is one of its distinguishing features, with a new Chinese style. A clear spring winds through the surrounding buildings, some reminiscent of water towns, others modern; the water's surface is like a mirror, reflecting the most beautiful scenery, full of oriental cultural charm. 🌱The red plum blossoms by the water are the most beautiful embellishment of the whole picture. When I went, I also encountered a large ginger cat, under the plum trees, by the water, on the rockery, cute and playful. · 🕰️Jiemin Library opening hours: 9:00–16:30 (closed on Mondays, except holidays) · 🍀Next to the Jiemin Library is the Cai Yuanpei Memorial Hall, and not far away is the former residence of Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy. One side features new Chinese-style architecture that blends classical and modern elements, while the other side showcases traditional Jiangnan water town dwellings. You can visit them together. ⛰️There is also Jishan Mountain nearby, with the Jishan Academy and Wenbi Pagoda on top. You can climb to the top of Wenbi Pagoda for a panoramic view of Shaoxing city.