After visiting Shen Kun's Zhuangyuan Mansion four times, I finally figured it all out!

📍 Address No. 39, Zhuxiang Street, Hexia Ancient Town, Huai'an District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province. 🚌 Transportation - By car: Navigate to "Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence Parking Lot" (about a 5-minute walk to Zhuangyuan Mansion). - Public transport: Take a bus to Hexia Ancient Town Station, then walk through the ancient town's stone-paved road to reach the destination; or take a taxi directly from the city center (about 15 yuan). 🏯 Introduction Shen Kun was the top scholar (Zhuangyuan) in Huai'an during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and a hero who fought against Japanese pirates! He sold his family property to form the "Zhuangyuan Army" to repel the pirates but was framed and died unjustly in prison, leading a tragic yet legendary life. The Zhuangyuan Mansion consists of an old residence and a garden, covering 13,000 square meters and divided into six areas: 1. Zhuangyuan Tower: Displays imperial examination culture, with the plaque "Jiao Teng Bi Zhao" symbolizing the rise of literary fortune. 2. Martial Arts Area: Recreates scenes of anti-pirate training, featuring impressive arrow formations and shield mazes. 3. Old Residence Area: Traditional Jiangnan-style houses with blue bricks and black tiles, featuring the exquisitely carved "Bamboo Companion Study." 4. Garden Area: A winding Suzhou-style garden, said to be the inspiration for the heavenly palace scenes in "Journey to the West"! Wu Cheng'en, Shen Kun's classmate, often borrowed the scenery for his writing. 🎫 Travel Tips - Recommended route: Zhuangyuan Tower → Old Residence Area → Martial Arts Area → Study Area → Garden Area → Memorial Area (about 2-3 hours). - Must-visit spots: - 🌟 The "Kui" character arch at Zhuangyuan Tower: Soak in the scholarly aura. - ⚔️ Firearms exhibition in the Martial Arts Area: Touch models of anti-pirate weapons, with interactive projections being super fun. - 🌿 Yue Ru Pavilion in the Garden Area: Sip "Zhuangyuan Red" tea and taste Jidi porridge (about 20 yuan per person). - 📜 Filial Piety Hall: Listen to the story of Shen Kun's "mourning and anti-pirate" deeds, with the touching plaque "Filial and Friendly Family." - Night tour bonus: Open during summer vacations and holidays! Light projections recreate Ming Dynasty scenes, requiring a separate ticket. 💡 Suggestions - Tickets: 40 yuan for adults, half-price for students/seniors aged 60-70, free for those over 70. - Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). Weekends are crowded, so arriving early is recommended. - Tips: - ✅ Hire a guide (4 sessions daily) or scan QR codes for audio tours to avoid missing historical details. - 📸 Photo spots: Garden area's carved windows, Zhuangyuan Tower's plaque, and the bamboo wall at Bamboo Companion Study. - 🚫 No pets allowed. Wear comfortable shoes for the stone-paved paths. 🍜 Food Recommendations - Inside Zhuangyuan Mansion: "Zhuangyuan Cake" (glutinous rice with red bean filling, 5 yuan/piece) at Yue Ru Pavilion. - Hexia Ancient Town: - Lao Huai'an·Huai'an Cuisine (Chuxiangge Branch): Try soft-braised eel and Pingqiao tofu, about 80 yuan per person. - Wenlou Soup Dumplings: Famous for their crab roe soup dumplings, with thin skins and rich broth. 🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations - Scholar's Mansion·Huai Cui Lou: Located in Bailu Lake Villa, featuring classical courtyard style, a 15-minute walk to Zhuangyuan Mansion, starting at 500 yuan/night. - Huai'an New Century Grand Hotel: 3 km from the attraction, 5-star amenities with breakfast included, starting at 600 yuan/night. 🚶 Nearby Attractions 1. Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence: Just 192 meters away! Visit the "Sheyang Yi" study, with a plaque originally inscribed by Shen Kun (original lost). 2. Hexia Ancient Town Core Area: Stone-paved streets and century-old pharmacies, free to explore and perfect for vintage photos. 3. Xiaohu Scenic Area: Climb the 42.7-meter Zhuangyuan Pavilion for a lake view, built in memory of Shen Kun's unjust death. 4. Huai'an Government Office: The largest Ming-Qing government office in China, featuring shocking torture exhibits, 2 km away. 💎 Four-visit summary: Arrive at 9 AM to avoid crowds → Listen to guides for deep insights into anti-pirate stories → Relax with tea in the garden → Combine with Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence and Hexia Ancient Town for a day of Huai'an's cultural essence!