By Staying At The Park Estate And Suzhou Modern Society

Using the LiuyuanYizhuang in Suzhou as an example, author analyzed the character and daily operation of the LiuyuanYizhuang, including its connection with the Suzhou society in public, charity and economic areas. Further more, this essay linked theYizhuang to the changes of social economy and life style at the Late Qing Dynasty in Suzhou. Focused on the Re-evaluation of Sheng Xuanhuai and the destiny of other philanthropists at the Late Qing Dynasty, author explored the relationship between tradition and modernization.This essay used the monthly report, lists and annual report of Liu Yuan Yizhuang and Sheng Xuanhuai's correspondences with the managers of Yizhuang from 1903 to 1915 as core data, which was preserved in the archives of Sheng Xuanhuai in the Shanghai Library. The research combined the data and the methods of historical, social and Statistics ways. Restoring the daily Maintenance in golden days of the Liuyuan Yizhuang, this essay showed the Liuyuan Yizhuang's characters influenced by the modern Suzhou society and Sheng Xuanhuai's personal style. It had the character similar to the traditional Yizhuang in organizations, managements and functions, but it also had its own unique character. Through the discussion of some actions the LiuyuanYizhuang made, like building roads, preparing the SuChang orphanage, using the electronic lights and telephones and some business meetings, author also analyzed the good interaction between Yizhuang and Suzhou Society, filling the blanks of the researches in Yizhuang at the Late Qing Dynasty.