Straight Zicheng Lane, the Cultural Guardian Amidst Urban Transformation

Zicheng Lane, with its history tracing back to the Southern Song Dynasty, was originally known as "Paper-making Lane" and "Paper Display Lane" due to the presence of paper mills in the area. During the Yuan Dynasty, a man named He Zongshi resided here, and his abolition of facial disfigurement penalties earned him a reputation as a benevolent ruler. As He Zongshi was widely called Heduoxu or Hehuzi for his thick beard, the lane was then referred to as "Hehuzi Lane." The name "Zicheng" evolved from "Paper Display." The lane is formed by the intersection of two smaller lanes. During the Republic of China era, the north-south section was called "Straight Zicheng Lane," while the east-west section was called "Horizontal Zicheng Lane." This suggests that the names of individual lanes hold echoes of history.

Straight Zicheng Lane is a quaint and picturesque alley adjacent to West Lake, at the intersection of Xihu Avenue and Nanshan Road. Just 3.5 meters wide, with whitewashed walls and a black-tiled roof, adorned with latticed windows and moon gates, it embodies the quintessential charm of a Jiangnan-style dwelling. The rain pattering on the rough stone pavement cast a glossy sheen and imbued the surroundings with a misty beauty and serenity. The soul of Straight Zicheng Lane is the sprawling wisteria trees that climb the trellises erected by residents, boundlessly flourishing and emitting a faint, ethereal fragrance.

At 36 Straight Zicheng Lane stands a villa built during the Republic of China era. Once nestled along the banks of the Huansha River, enjoying the gentle caresses of its waters and the kindness of nature, it served as an elegant residence built by the river during that period. With the pace of urban development, the Huansha River was filled in, and the surrounding area was gradually enveloped by residential buildings. Nevertheless, this villa still stands tall, bearing witness to the changes of history.

The two-story brick-and-wood structure faces north and is designed in a Western-style imitation. The corners are cleverly crafted into hexagons, lending a touch of modernity to its antiquity. Painted in a bright, warm yellow hue, its appearance is both simple and lively, evoking a sense of freshness. Its exquisite and lively design gives people the impression of an elegant lady, quietly recounting the splendor of that era.

Today, this villa has become a prominent landmark of Straight Zicheng Lane, attracting countless visitors. It is more than a building; it is a memory of history, a witness to an era. Here, one can glimpse the architectural style of Hangzhou during the Republic of China era and experience the lifestyle and aesthetic pursuits of that time."