Zhongxiao Lane

Zhongxiao Lane runs from the bustling western section of Qingtai Street in the south to the dignified Minquan Road in the north.

Adjacent to Zhongxiao Lane, it was once called Lion Lane. However, during the Republic of China period, in response to the societal promotion of the "Eight Virtues" of "loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, honesty, and peace," this alley was renamed Renyi Lane. This renaming not only reflected the society's high regard for morality at the time but also reflected people's reverence for and inheritance of traditional virtues such as loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness.

It is said that Zhongxiao Lane is named after a virtuous man named Zhongxiao who lived here and was known for his filial piety and loyalty, and was praised by later generations.

In addition, Zhongxiao Lane has an inseparable connection with Mao Wenlong. Mao Wenlong, known by the courtesy name Zhennan and the artistic name Bolong, was a famous general at the end of the Ming Dynasty. He was born in Qiantang County, Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province (now Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province). His ancestral home was Taiping County, Pingyang Prefecture, Shanxi Province (now Xiangfen County, Linfen City, Jiangxi Province). His former residence happened to be located in Zhongxiao Lane. Mao Wenlong grew up in Zhongxiao Lane since childhood, where every brick, tile, grass, and tree was deeply imprinted in his memory. The late Ming period was marked by political turmoil and constant military conflicts. Mao harbored a dream of protecting his family and country from a young age. He studied and practiced martial arts diligently, and devoted himself to the military. With extraordinary wisdom and courage, he achieved many merits on the battlefield, gradually emerging, and serving through the reigns of Wanli, Taichang, Tianqi, and Chongzhen. He eventually became the left governor and commander-in-chief of Pingliao and was an important general in the late Ming resistance to the Later Jin in Liaodong. Mao Wenlong made great military achievements, establishing the military stronghold of Dongjiang Town and winning many victories in the war against the Later Jin. However, he was controversial in his personal conduct, criticized for his arrogance and excessive demands for soldiers' pay and provisions.

As the location of Mao Wenlong's Former Residence, Zhongxiao Lane not only witnessed the rise and fall of the Mao family but also had a close connection with Mao Wenlong's personal fate. Today, there are no old residences here anymore, only a lane named Zhongxiao Lane, which has the Hangzhou municipal administrative building on the west side and Minsheng Road on the east side. However, there is an indescribable emotional bond between Mao Wenlong and Zhongxiao Lane. His former residence and background of growth add more historical color and cultural heritage to Zhongxiao Lane, making this place occupy a pivotal position in the history of the late Ming Dynasty.