Former Residence of Cai Yuanpei in Shanghai

Former Residence of Cai Yuanpei in Shanghai

The former residence of Cai Yuanpei in Shanghai is a National AA-level tourist attraction, a Shanghai Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit, and a patriotic education base.

The former residence of Cai Yuanpei in Shanghai is an independent garden-style villa featuring yellow pebble walls, with a section of the gable wall revealing dark wooden framework, complemented by a red-tiled roof. Set against lush greenery, the building presents an approachable and elegant appearance. This was Mr. Cai’s last residence in Shanghai and is also the best-preserved former home of his in China. In 1984, the residence was listed as a Shanghai Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Mr. Cai Yuanpei was hailed by Comrade Mao Zedong as “a leading scholar and a model for mankind,” and was ranked among the world’s 100 most notable educators, philosophers, politicians, journalists, psychologists, poets, and religious figures selected by UNESCO’s journal Comparative Education Quarterly for 1993–1994. Strolling through the authentically preserved residence, viewing the thoughtfully curated exhibition on Mr. Cai’s life, admiring cultural relics such as the typewriter and suitcase he once used, and listening to the stories told by the descendants of the great man who still reside here, one can truly grasp the meaning behind the phrase “let ink and wisdom leave a lasting fragrance.”

The first floor now serves as the residence exhibition hall, the third floor houses a display of Cai Yuanpei’s personal items, and the second floor is used by his family. The interior furnishings largely remain as they were during Mr. Cai’s lifetime. The exhibition hall covers a construction area of 210 square meters, and the exhibits are divided into three main sections: I. “From Diligent Study to Saving the Nation Through Education”; II. “A Founding Father of Modern Chinese Education and Science”; III. “Dedicated to National Revolution, Awakened to Democracy and Freedom.” It also displays cultural relics such as the typewriter and suitcase he once used.

The former residence of Cai Yuanpei is a Shanghai Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Address: No. 16, Lane 303, Huashan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

Type: Celebrity Former Residence

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Phone: 021-62484996

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Last admission at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Ticket Information:

Free admission for school group reservations to the exhibition hall; half-price tickets for individual students; children under 18 accompanied by parents are admitted free; adult tickets are 5 RMB.

Transportation

Get off at Jing’an Temple Station on Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro

Cai Yuanpei (1868–1940), styled Heqing and Jiemin, also known as Jienong, was a native of Shanyin (now Yuecheng District), Shaoxing. In his youth, he proofread books at the ancient Yue Library in Shaoxing, which allowed him to read extensively. In 1889, during the 15th year of the Guangxu reign, he passed the imperial examination as a Juren (recommended man), and in 1890 as a Gongshi (tribute student) for the metropolitan examination, though he did not proceed to the palace examination. In 1892, he completed the palace examination, became a Jinshi (presented scholar), and was appointed as a Shujishi (compiler) in the Hanlin Academy. In 1894, he was promoted to a full compiler. After the First Sino-Japanese War, he began to engage with Western learning and sympathized with the Reform Movement. In September 1898, he returned to Shaoxing to serve as head of the Shaoxing Chinese-Western School, where he advocated for new learning. In July 1901, he went to Shanghai to become a teacher at Nanyang Public School… More details about Cai Yuanpei ++