Tucked away in the heart of Hangzhou, Xing'anli is a hidden gem where history and tranquility intertwine, offering a rare glimpse into the elegance of the Republican era. Located northeast of Ding'an Road Metro Station along Kuiyuan Lane, this site centers around the Ding Family Garden, a residence of significant historical value for understanding the architecture, lifestyle, and gardens of early 20th-century China.
Entering Kuiyuan Lane, you’ll find an old-fashioned archway hidden within a 1980s residential complex. This unassuming entrance leads to the Ding Family Garden, where a plaque reading "Xing'anli," adorned with a red five-pointed star, marks the gateway to a bygone era.
The main building consists of two interconnected European-style villas, joined by a long corridor. To the north lies a row of six traditional stone-gate houses, collectively referred to as "Xing'anli." These architectural elements, blending Eastern and Western influences, reflect the aesthetic and cultural trends of the Republican era.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a picturesque open garden. With its serene ponds, small bridges, intricate rock formations, and lush greenery, the garden feels like a tranquil oasis unexpectedly nestled in the heart of the bustling city. Among its highlights is a magnificent coralwood tree, over 400 years old, standing proudly by the rock formations. Nearby, a pomegranate tree and a pomelo tree by the south gate of the west building bloom and bear fruit year after year, silently witnessing the passage of time and the ebb and flow of history.
Beyond its serene beauty, Xing'anli carries a rich history. The Ding Family Garden originally belonged to DING Jie, a salt transport commissioner from Shandong. In its heyday, it served as a venue for literary and cultural gatherings, hosting scholars and artists in an atmosphere of refinement and creativity.
Over the years, the garden changed hands several times, yet its charm has endured. Today, it serves as the Hangzhou Calligraphy City Arts Exchange Center and the headquarters of the Hangzhou Calligraphers Association. Regular exhibitions of renowned calligraphy and seal carving artists ensure that Xing'anli remains a vibrant cultural hub, bridging the past and present while preserving its legacy as a space for art, culture, and reflection.