Former Residence of Chen Yuguang

Former Residence of Chen Yuguang

The former residence of Chen Yuguang is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

The former residence of Chen Yuguang was originally built in 1920 by his father, Chen Lieming. After 1941, it came into the possession of Chen Yuguang. The building faces north and has its entrance to the east. It features a Western architectural style, with a brick-concrete structure. The main structure has three floors, plus one basement level, totaling 24 rooms.

After the liberation, the building was inhabited by figures such as Kuang Yaming and Qu Qinyue, presidents of Nanjing University. It has largely retained its original appearance and is in relatively good condition. After Chen Yuguang passed away in 1989, the property rights of the building were transferred to his children. On July 12, 1995, the property was donated to the Amity Foundation. The following year, after renovation, it came into use by the Amity Foundation. Its current state of preservation is good.

Chen Yuguang, also known as Jingtang, was born on March 7, 1893, in Nanjing. His ancestral home was Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. He moved with his father to Nanjing and in 1905 began studying at the affiliated high school of the University of Nanking. In 1911, he entered the Chemistry Department of Jinling University in Nanjing. After the summer of 1922, he served as Academic Dean and Head of the Chemistry Department at Peking Normal University, where he taught organic chemistry and also chaired the university’s academic council. He oversaw the translation of Science and the Remaking of the World by Conant and Snyder. He also served twice as acting university president. During this time, he interacted and exchanged ideas with figures such as Cai Yuanpei, Fan Yuanlian, Ma Xulun, and Tao Xingzhi, which greatly enhanced his effectiveness in higher education and teacher training.

On December 19, 2011, the People's Government of Jiangsu Province designated it as part of the seventh batch of provincial-level cultural relic protection units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units in Jiangsu Province