Have you ever heard whispers of a hidden literary treasure? Right here in Guli Town nestled in the eastern part of Changshu lies the Tower of Iron Zither and Bronze Sword. This isn’t just any old building. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family and the love of books. For over 150 years the Qu family guarded this incredible library. Five generations preserved a vast collection. They weathered wars and hardship. Their dedication to learning shines through the ages.
Guli Town itself sprawls across 96.46 square kilometers. It’s part of the Yangtze River Delta and the Taihu Lake basin. Before 2003 it was two separate towns. Guli and Baimao joined to form the town we know today. By 2017 over 107000 people called this place home.
The Tower of Iron Zither and Bronze Sword however is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of resilience. Originally the family home it was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. The building has survived the ravages of time. Even the War of Resistance against Japan could not destroy it. The original residence had four rows of houses. Sadly the first two were destroyed. The tower itself stands in the remaining two. It faces south. The upper floor held the family’s precious books. The ground floor of the third row served as a study. The fourth row housed the ancestral temple.
The name itself tells a tale. The Qu family owned an iron zither and a bronze sword. These prized possessions gave the library its unique name. It was originally called Tianyu Lodge meaning peace and affluence. But later it was renamed Dunyu Hall. This was to avoid using a character that was taboo during Emperor Guangxu’s reign.
Eventually the library’s books were donated to national and local libraries. The building though remains. It stands as a memorial to the Qu family’s love of knowledge and their unwavering dedication. Today the Tower of Iron Zither and Bronze Sword is a memorial and a testament to a rich legacy. It is open to the public a celebration of books and family history. It’s a captivating piece of Guli Town’s rich past. It’s a place where history and literature intertwine. Step inside and discover the secrets held within this remarkable tower.