Shouchang Fang, named to embody "longevity as enduring as Southern Mountains, prosperity as vast as Eastern Se…
Shouchang Fang, named to embody "longevity as enduring as Southern Mountains, prosperity as vast as Eastern Sea," historically referred to areas west and north of the imperial palace. It housed key government offices like the Armaments Bureau, Oil and Vinegar Depot, Imperial Audiences Office, and Lin Tai (Imperial Library), alongside mansions of high officials such as the Shen, Fan, and Zhao families. Those frequenting here—adorned with star-like hairpins and moon-like sashes—were exclusively the wealthy or noble, including court officials, traveling merchants, and pampered heirs. In the Song Dynasty, the Minister of War redivided the area based on terrain, establishing Prosperity Haven, Tranquil Haven, and Tidal Haven. Thus, the region south of Goldwater Street is now solely called Prosperity Haven.