Former Residence Memorial of Zhang Xueliang

Former Residence Memorial of Zhang Xueliang

Former Residence Memorial of Zhang Xueliang

Zhang Xueliang was born on June 4, 1901, in Zhangjiawopu Village, Ejia Village, Huandong Town, Tai’an County — now known as Haicheng. The young marshal spent his childhood here. Four thatched cottages of the former residence still remain, along with the original well and a jujube tree from those days. On June 4, 1990, the Tai’an County government designated the site as a county-level cultural relic protection unit and established the Former Residence Memorial of General Zhang Xueliang. Covering an area of 600 square meters, the memorial’s main structure consists of four blue-brick tile-roofed houses, housing three exhibition rooms: The first room displays inscriptions from Zhang Xueliang’s relatives, former subordinates, and people from across the county and beyond; the second and third rooms introduce his life story through artifacts and photographs. His life is divided into four parts: the young marshal’s childhood, arduous achievements, years of house arrest, and deep affection for his hometown. In 1993, it was listed as a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit and one of the first patriotic education bases designated by the Anshan City government.

According to historical records, after the First Sino-Japanese War, the Qing army disbanded, and Zhang Zuolin left the military, gathering a band in the mountains. Amid the chaos, he fled to Bajiaotai (now the urban area of Tai’an County, Liaoning Province). For convenience, Zhang Zuolin sent his wife Zhao and daughter Shoufang to the home of Zhao Mingde (a cousin of Zhao’s family), located northwest of Bajiaotai. On June 3 (April 17 of the 27th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty), 1901, Zhang Xueliang was born in the eastern room of the five thatched cottages belonging to the Zhao Mingde family. In 1989, this site was turned into the “Former Residence Memorial of Zhang Xueliang.”

At the center of the memorial’s lintel hangs a golden plaque inscribed with “Birthplace of Zhang Xueliang” in bold black characters. These six striking words were penned by the late renowned calligrapher Shen Yi. On either side hang couplets crafted by the master of Liaoning’s couplet art, Shang Wenhua: “Noble as the moon is the heart of the virtuous Han; Bathed in spring breeze is the grace of Scholar Xue.” The embedded characters blend naturally, conveying refined meaning — truly the work of a master.

Zhang Xueliang, whose courtesy name was Hanqing and alias Yian, spent his joyful childhood in Zhangjiawopu. The memorial has been entirely reconstructed based on the original layout, covering 600 square meters in a classical and elegant style. It features three exhibition halls: The west hall displays daily utensils used by the young marshal in his childhood, such as kerosene lamps and candleholders, along with over 400 photos reflecting his remarkable life — major events like the Huanggutun Incident, the Northeast Flag Replacement, the Xi’an Incident, and his house arrest in Taiwan are vividly presented. These relics stir admiration. The middle hall exhibits furniture used by the young marshal during his childhood. The east hall is adorned with calligraphy left by family, friends, subordinates, and visiting dignitaries, among which the most eye-catching is the inscription by his daughter-in-law Xie Xueping: “Revitalize our homeland; await the elder brother’s return.”

Another notable item is the old jujube tree behind the house. Having witnessed decades of history, it is said to be 300 years old according to expert assessment. Its gnarled branches are lush and thriving. In 1991, villagers carefully selected over ten large red dates and sent them to General Zhang, who was then in Taiwan. Upon receiving them, he was overjoyed and sent a letter of thanks through the intermediary. To date, the memorial has welcomed 40,000 visitors from home and abroad. It has since been named a “Patriotic Education Base” by the Anshan Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, and a “Moral Education Base for Primary and Secondary Schools Across the County” by the Tai’an County Party Committee and County Government.

Zhang Xueliang (June 3, 1901 – October 14, 2001), courtesy name Hanqing, alias Yian, childhood names Shuangxi and Xiaoliuzi. A first-class general of the Army, of Han ethnicity, originally from Haicheng, Liaoning. Born on June 3, 1901 (lunar April 17), in Zhangjiabao Village, Jiujian Township, Tai’an County, Liaoning Province (formerly known as Sangzilin Zhanjiapu). Known as the “Young Marshal,” he was the eldest son of Fengtian Clique warlord Zhang Zuolin and one of the “Four Handsome Men of the Republic.”

Education Background

In 1917, he served in his father Zhang Zuolin’s army. In 1919, he studied at the... More details about Zhang Xueliang++

Huandong Town: Located in the northern part of Tai’an County, 14 kilometers from the county seat, Huandong Town borders Liaozhong County to the east, Xinmin City to the north, and Heishan County to the west. It covers a drainage area of 97 square kilometers and administers six administrative villages: Dongxichang Village, Guojia Village, Sancha Village, Xiaohe Village, Molu Village, and Jiu’e Village.

General Economic Situation: By the end of 2005, the town achieved a total social output value of 520 million yuan, with per capita rural income at 4,248 yuan. Among them, Sancha Village had a per capita income of 6,600 yuan, ranking second in the county.

Agricultural Economy:

Rivers within Huandong Town... More details about Huandong Town++