Restoration builds on tradition of bustling commercial activity

In his studio in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, print artist Gu Zhijun is carefully making a more than 1-meter-long woodblock print, a masterpiece that has consumed five years of his dedicated work and remains unfinished. It is his tribute to the city of Suzhou.

It vividly captures the bustling splendor of the Changmen area during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).Inside and outside the city gate, shops line the streets, and people bustle about, creating a lively scene. Several rivers converge here, and the docks are teeming with boats coming and going, painting a picture of dynamism and prosperity.

Gu is an inheritor of Taohuawu woodblock printing, a traditional form of folk art known for its vibrant colors, vivid patterns, and diverse themes, and depictions of folk customs and legends.

Many years ago, during a visit to Japan, Gu discovered an original woodblock print depicting the bustling scenes at Changmen, one of the eight gates of Suzhou. In 2021, he resolved to recreate this Qing Dynasty print to allow people to "witness the grandeur of that era".

Changmen is located in the city's northwest. Chang means a connection to the heavens, symbolizing that the vassal state of Wu, which existed more than 2,500 years ago with present-day Suzhou as its capital, would receive divine protection and grow increasingly prosperous.

Since ancient times, the Changmen area has been a flourishing and prosperous place of water transport, attracting many people to settle and conduct business there. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties, countless vessels gathered here and as a result of canal transport, Changmen experienced a busy period of commerce.

"In my painting, I carved 384 figures from all walks of life. There are also lots of businesses such as medicine stores, banks, jewelry stores, hotels, noodle shops and restaurants. The vivid style of painting shows the prosperous ancient scene," says Gu, 64.

His print aligns with the expectations of the Suzhou government. They plan to renovate and upgrade the Changmen area this year to revive past prosperity.

The local government plans to use modern techniques and language to present the splendid scenes of the past. Currently, the Changmen city gate is admission free to the public, and the Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, docks, and time-honored shops in the area are undergoing renovation.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Yao Yongqiang, vice chairman of the Suzhou Artists Association, says that since ancient times, many literary and artistic works have centered around Changmen. Well-known writer Cao Xueqin described it in his novel Dream of the Red Chamber as "one of the most affluent and romantic places in the mundane world".Many established ink painters from the Ming Dynasty also lived here.

"It can be considered the financial and trade center during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was once synonymous with the city of Suzhou," Yao says of the importance of Changmen.

In the area, there are Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, former residences of famous people, ancient temples, and numerous time-honored restaurants, all interspersed with residential buildings.

For planner Deng Dong, the renovation of Changmen is a daunting task and challenge, as the area contains a large number of ancient buildings mixed with residential zones. Most importantly, its renovation is tied to the origins of the city of Suzhou.

"This place is rich in history and is fundamental to the establishment of Suzhou. Although I have undertaken many renovation projects in this city, I still need to revisit historical materials and carefully listen to the suggestions of the residents," he says.

Deng, who is also vice president of the China Academy of Urban Planning & Design, has been involved in the renovation of Shiquan Street in Suzhou.

"Whether renovating a single street or an entire district, the goal is always to bring a better quality of life to the people. Respect for individuals always comes first," he says.