Nanjing Kong Xiangxi’s Former Residence

Nanjing Kong Xiangxi’s Former Residence

Nanjing Kong Xiangxi’s Former Residence

Kong Xiangxi (1880–1967), courtesy name Yongzhi, was from Taigu, Shanxi. In his early years, he managed a money shop and studied in the United States in 1901. He served successively as Minister of Industry of the Nationalist Government, Minister of Finance, President of the Executive Yuan, President of the Central Bank, and President of the Bank of China. He moved to the United States in 1948 and passed away in New York in 1967. He owned multiple residences and villas in Nanjing, including those in Xiangpu Camp, Tie Tang Chi, and the scenic area of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in the eastern suburbs. Today, the Tie Tang Chi official residence and the Gaoloumen residence still stand. The Tie Tang Chi official residence, now located within the compound of the Nanjing Military Region Logistics Department at No. 128 Zhongshan East Road, is a building that blends Chinese and Western architectural styles. It has three stories, a brick-and-wood structure, and a yellow exterior wall. Its entrance features a particularly eye-catching semicircular porch. After becoming Minister of Finance in November 1933, Kong Xiangxi oversaw the nation’s financial affairs for twelve years. This was one of his main residences. The former residence at No. 80 Gaoloumen was originally a senior residence for the Customs Administration of the Nationalist Government. After the victory in the War of Resistance in 1945, Kong Xiangxi returned to Nanjing and moved here. Built in 1932, this residence is a typical example of Spanish-style architecture. It has two stories, a brick-and-wood structure, a yellow exterior wall, large round arch windows, a sloped roof covered with red barrel tiles, and an overall complex and varied design. The interior is fully equipped, and the front features a parking area, lawn, and rockery, all contributing to a serene and beautiful environment. It is now a residential property. In 1992, the Kong Xiangxi Residence at No. 80 Gaoloumen was designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Nanjing City.