This year marks the 130th anniversary of Mr. Ye Shengtao’s birth.
A new attraction in Luzhi Ancient Town
“The Ye Shengtao Path” has been officially completed.
This narrow path, running along the wall and alongside the river, stretches for a hundred meters.
It was the usual practice when the gentleman went to teach at “Wugao.”
Ye Shengtao’s Little Path: Tracing the Footsteps of Mr. Ye
The ancient town of Luzhi, known as the “wetland of education and cultural oxygen bar,” is home to a river that, owing to its broad expanse, was once famously called Mianniu Jing—so named because herders often led their oxen to drink and rest on the tidal flats along its banks. The narrow path beside the stream likewise came to be known as Mianniu Jingbang. The place name Mianniu Jingbang has been included in Suzhou’s second batch of the List of Protected Cultural Heritage Place Names. Following renovation and enhancement, this little lane has been transformed into the “Ye Shengtao Path,” which embraces the cultural ethos and core themes of “the Republican era spirit, the legacy of the sage; enlightened minds, Ni Huanzhi,” showcasing Mr. Ye Shengtao’s life story, educational philosophy, and patriotic devotion.
This winding path along the river is centered on promoting and introducing Mr. Ye Shengtao. As you step onto it, passing the white signpost reading “Mianniu Jingbang,” you arrive at the main entrance of the “Ni Huanzhi’s Tea Book Bar.” On one side, an oversized traditional‑style character for “Ye” adorns a white wall, while an orange‑colored directional sign by the riverbank guides you into the world of Mr. Ye Shengtao.
In the display case on the wall, rotating exhibits include photographs of Mr. Ye Shengtao with his wife, Hu Molin, and their three children—Ye Zhishan, Ye Zhimei, and Ye Zhicheng—alongside excerpts from the novel “Ni Huanzhi” and a facsimile of the first edition of the “Kaiming National Language Textbook,” offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse of the scholar’s distinguished presence.
On the orange wall beneath the display case, the words “Kaiming National Language Textbook, compiled by Ye Shengtao and illustrated by Feng Zikai” in traditional Chinese characters stand out prominently. This was China’s first primary‑school Chinese language textbook approved by the Imperial Academy; with its rich selection of materials, engaging content, lively style, standard language, and exquisite illustrations, it won widespread acclaim.
Continuing onward, beneath the specially crafted balcony balustrades, one can read the inscription: “This is a new scenic spot in Luzhi Ancient Town—built along the wall and overlooking the river, stretching a hundred meters in length, and known as Mianniu Jingbang.” Below it are the words: “In 1917, Mr. Ye served as a teacher in Luzhi for nearly five years; on his way home each morning and evening, he often walked this very path.” These lines offer a brief account of the origin and current state of the “Ye Shengtao Path.”
A few more steps ahead, passing by the side entrance of “Ni Huanzhi’s Tea Book Bar,” you come to a courtyard wall built of bluestone bricks, in the style of the Republic of China era. Beneath the side door, set into the stone slab affixed to the wall, is the inscription “Nian Niu Jing: Recalling Our Side-by-Side Walks,” a line drawn from Mr. Ye Shengtao’s poem “Returning to Luzhi,” composed in 1977 after his revisit to Luzhi. Upon careful reflection, one can discern throughout the verses the profound affection the master held for this place.
Above, a glass‑fronted cultural wall bears the titles of “Diaphragm,” “Fire,” “The Scarecrow,” “Unsated Collection,” “Literary Heart,” “Collection Forty‑Three,” and “Ni Huanzhi”—each one a classic work left behind by the master. Compiled by his children, Ye Zhishan, Ye Zhimei, and Ye Zhicheng, the “Collected Works of Ye Shengtao” invites readers to savor both the literary beauty and the educational philosophy of this eminent figure. The inscription reads: “Born in Xuanqiao Lane, Suzhou, 1894; Attended Caoqiao Middle School, 1907; Taught at Luzhi No. 5 High School, 1917; Published with Kaiming Bookstore, 1931; Served as President of the People’s Education Press, 1950; Passed away at No. 8 Dongsi, Beijing, 1988.” Through these words, passersby are introduced to the remarkable life of a man hailed as a “grand master” and an “outstanding linguistic artist” in the annals of Chinese language education.
Wander through Luzhi—there’s more than just one “zongzi” of joy.
During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the “‘Tao’ Treasure in Luzhi: A Fairy‑tale Market (Part 1: Cultural‑Creative Edition)” event invites children to set up an open‑air “little shop” along the picturesque and culturally rich “Ye Shengtao Path,” stepping into the role of a young business owner and a product pitch‑person, and embarking on a fun, colorful journey.
Join the “Qu Yuan in Luzhi – Suzhou Children’s Coloring and Painting Activity,” where children will skillfully use colors to transform images of Luzhi landmarks—such as Baosheng Temple and the Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall—along with a portrait of Qu Yuan into a cohesive artwork. Through this experience, kids will deepen their understanding and appreciation of color while enhancing their color‑application skills and artistic imagination. Once their coloring is complete, they can stop by the “Ni Huanzhi DE Tea Book Bar” to claim a small gift.
Tip
❖ “Tao” Treasures of Luzhi, a Fairy-Tale Market
Event Date: June 10
Eligible participants: Students in grades 2 through 8 from primary and secondary schools in Suzhou.
❖ “Qu Yuan in Luzhi – Suzhou Children’s Coloring and Painting Activity”
Event Dates: June 8–10
Eligible participants: All primary and secondary school students in Suzhou (participants must bring their own coloring materials).
Address: Ye Shengtao Lane (north side of the west gate of the Cultural Park – Mianniu Jingbang)
Ni Huanzhi’s Tea Book Bar: a打卡 spot for literary and artistic vibes.
The three characters “Ni Huanzhi” in “Ni Huanzhi’s Tea Book Bar” are taken from Mr. Ye Shengtao’s novel, “Ni Huanzhi.” In his youth, the bar’s owner, Feng Bin, was inspired by this work and embarked on a career in education. Today, he has chosen it as the name of his tea book bar, with the hope of “looking back to our educational childhoods and paying tribute to the pioneers of education; carrying forward the spirit of Mr. Ye and becoming a teacher just as Ye Shengtao did.”
Pushing open the red-and-green‑accented side door, you step into the tea‑book café. Behind the wooden door, a passage from “Ni Huanzhi” softly echoes; on one side of the courtyard, a charming little scene unfolds—lush green lotus leaves and flowers in full bloom. Along the walls, blue‑on‑white signs bear the names of Luzhi’s streets—Yuchi Lane, Luji Lane, Sanyuan Tower—and are set into small ceramic jars. The furniture is a verdant shade of green, with stone tables in an array of designs, while the potted plants boast a rich variety, and trumpet vines burst into brilliant blossoms. Every corner of the courtyard exudes a literary, vintage charm.
Upon entering the reading space, the exterior wall displays illustrated excerpts from the novel “Ni Huanzhi,” while the interior features bookshelves along the walls stocked with titles such as “Ni Huanzhi,” “The Latest National Language Textbook,” “Ye Shengtao’s Family Letters,” and “Ye Shengtao: A Literary Portrait.” One by one, these volumes bear the imprint of Mr. Ye Shengtao. Above, an orange‑hued hanging scroll bears the two characters “Kaiming,” penned by the master himself. A vintage bronze bell, evoking memories of classroom beginnings and endings, and a retro green sofa all conspire to draw the mind back to the days when Mr. Ye taught in Luzhi.
Whether you come with a companion or on your own, you can savor tea and lose yourself in reading amidst the vibrant courtyard or in the tranquil, artsy tea‑and‑book café, gaining insight into the master’s educational philosophy—that “teaching is for the sake of unteaching”—as well as the lifelong dedication he poured into the field of education.
Going forward, we will continue to build on the themes of “Ye Shengtao, Chinese language, education, culture, cultural and creative industries, and cultural tourism,” crafting a comprehensive narrative around the “Ye Shengtao–centered educational and cultural heritage” of Luzhi Ancient Town. By doing so, we aim to transform the “spirit of Mr. Shengtao’s educational philosophy and the culture of mother‑tongue education” into a vibrant, full‑color calling card for both historic and contemporary Luzhi.
