Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang in Shanghai

Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang in Shanghai

The Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang in Shanghai is a cultural tourism attraction.

The renowned patriotic general Zhang Xueliang, courtesy name Hanqing and art name Yian, was the eldest son of the Fengtian warlord Zhang Zuolin. He was born on June 3, 1901, in Tai’an, Liaoning. Around the time of the September 18th Incident, Zhang Xueliang was a prominent figure but played a tragic role.

After 1933, he came to Shanghai three times and had three residences. The first was in March 1933 when he announced his retirement to the nation and prepared to go abroad for an inspection tour. He then came from Beiping to Shanghai, where Soong Tse-ven arranged for him to stay at No. 181 Fuxi Road (now Middle Yan’an Road). It was here that he overcame his drug addiction. The second time was on January 8, 1934, when Zhang Xueliang returned from Italy. Upon arriving in Shanghai, he temporarily stayed at a villa at No. 2 Moulier Road (now Xiangshan Road). His adjutant and commander, Tan Hai, found a garden villa at No. 1 Gaona’i Road (now Gaolan Road), which was rented. Zhao Yidi (also known as Miss Zhao, or “Elder Sister Zhao”) also came from Beiping to live there with him. Soon after, Zhang Xueliang took up the post of Director of the Wuchang Garrison Command and left Shanghai, but Miss Zhao often stayed here briefly, hence this place was called the “Zhang Xueliang Residence.” The third time Zhang Xueliang came to Shanghai in mid-December 1935, he stayed at the garden villa at No. 1 Gaolan Road (the Zhang Residence).

The building was constructed in the mid-1930s. It is located next to Fuxing Park and is a three-story independent Spanish-style garden villa. Zhang Xueliang’s residence featured a red-tiled roof, milky-white exterior walls, and delicate white eave decorations. The architectural design varied in height, size, and depth, creating a layered effect rich in Chinese architectural character. The main building of the Zhang Residence is a protruding three-story structure. The first floor contains passageways, with corridors on the south side, and balconies on the second floor. The main building covers an area of about 800 square meters. The ground floor has a hall that was used for entertaining guests, with a reception room on the second floor. The bedroom of Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Yidi is on the third floor, designed as a Spanish-style suite featuring a large Spanish bed. Current displays are reproductions modeled after the originals. Outside the room is a 20-square-meter terrace. In front of the building is a large garden covering approximately 1,000 square meters, named Dizhuang (Reed Garden), planted with camphor trees, cedars, wisteria, magnolia, osmanthus (both golden and silver varieties), and a Manila grass lawn. There is also a swing that can seat several people. At the time, Gaolan Road was a short street with plane trees planted along the sidewalk, their branches providing ample shade, adjacent to the park — a very tranquil spot. However, Zhang Xueliang lived there for only a brief period.

After the liberation, the building served as the office of the Democratic Construction Association of the Federation of Industry and Commerce in Luwan District. It underwent major renovations in 1992 and 1994 and was placed under protection. It now functions as the Guesthouse of the Shanghai Municipal Real Estate Administration Bureau. Several rooms have been named Jingxue Hall, Muliang Hall, Yiqing Hall, and Shaoshuai Hall. The walls inside display photos of Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Yidi, as well as calligraphy by Zhang Xueliang. These are the only surviving samples of Zhang Xueliang’s handwriting in Shanghai.

Zhang Xueliang also hosted banquets for friends and former subordinates at No. 1 Gaolan Road to discuss strategies for saving the nation. Although he stayed in Shanghai for a short time, he began engaging with the Chinese Communist Party and actively sought ways to resist Japan and save the country. Zhang Xueliang’s days in Shanghai were of particularly great significance in transforming his thinking and actions for the rest of his life.

Address: No. 1 Gaolan Road, Luwan District, Shanghai

: Bus routes 167, 926, Inner Ring 146, 920, 986 Interval, 42, etc.

Adjacent to the side entrance of Fuxing Park, No. 2A Gaolan Road nearby is the Official Residence Bar; No. 16 Gaolan Road is the St. Nicholas Church. The Zhang Xueliang Residence is close to the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen. Heading south along Sinan Road, visitors can also see the Former Residence of Zhou Enlai and the Former Residence of Mei Lanfang.

Admission Ticket

Admission Ticket: 60 RMB

Opening Hours

9:00-17:00

Zhang Xueliang (June 3, 1901 ~ October 14, 2001), courtesy name Hanqing, art name Yian, childhood names Shuangxi and Xiaoliuzi. He was a First-Class General of the Army, of Han ethnicity, originally from Haicheng, Liaoning. He was born on June 3, 1901 (the 17th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar) in Zhangjiabao Village, Jiujiange Township, Tai’an County, Liaoning Province (formerly known as Sangzilin Zhanjiawopu). Known as the “Young Marshal,” he was the eldest son of Zhang Zuolin, leader of the Fengtian warlords, and one of the Four Handsome Men of the Republic of China.

Educational Background

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