Yao Chengzu (1866—1938), styled Hanting, was a native of Shuli Village in Xukou of Wu County (today’s Suzhou). He gave him the alternative style Buyun and used the courtesy name Buddhist Yangxing. Yao was born into a family known for its architectural expertise for generations. His grandfather Yao Canting was the author of Zi Ye Yi Shu (meaning “ancestors’ notes on carpentry”). Yao began to learn carpentry in his teens. Later he opened Yao Kaitai Building Office in Suzhou and became engaged in construction business. The first year of the Republic of China era (1912) saw the establishment of Suzhou Lu Ban Association, for which Yao Chengzu was elected as president. Yao’s representative works included Yan’s Garden in Mudu, the Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance in Garden of Harmony in Suzhou, the Pavilion of Plum Blossom in Xiangxuehai (the sea of fragrant snow) of Wujia Mountain in Guangfu, and the Grand Hall of the Lingyan Mountain Temple in Mudu. Moreover, he founded Ziyi Primary School close to Xuanmiao Temple in the old city area of Suzhou and Shufeng Primary School in his hometown to educate children of construction workers free of charge. Yao later taught at Suzhou Industrial Technical College. His book Ying Zao Fa Yuan (meaning “laws of building craft”) was regarded as “a masterpiece on architecture in southern China”). Another important work Yao authored was Yao Chengzu Ying Zao Yuan Tu (meaning “original construction blueprints by Yao Chengzu”).
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