Chen Lifu’s Former Residence

Chen Lifu’s Former Residence

Chen Lifu’s Former Residence

Chen Lifu’s Former Residence in Nanjing was once the residence of the two brothers, Chen Guofu and Chen Lifu, located at No. 30 Changfu Street in present-day Nanjing (currently the dormitory area of the Air Force Hospital).

The former residence was originally a garden-style Western-style house, covering an area of about three to four acres, situated on the south side of the intersection at the entrance of Changfu Street, facing north. The original gatehouse is now labeled as Room 1; the original garage facing the street is now labeled as Rooms 2 and 3; the original open garden space now has a dormitory building built on it, labeled as Room 4; the original two main buildings on the east and west sides still retain their original architectural style—the eastern building was where Chen Guofu lived, and the western building was where Chen Lifu lived. Behind the two main buildings was a row of single-story houses, likely serving as the kitchens or bathrooms at the time. This building was constructed in 1934, and there was a cement path inside the gate that led directly to the two main buildings. Although it was a residence at the time, it was heavily guarded, and ordinary people were not allowed to enter freely.

When the War of Resistance against Japan broke out, Chen Lifu took up the position of Minister of Education. One of the most challenging tasks at the time was relocating cultural and educational institutions in the war zones to the great southwest or northwest of the country. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Education, these institutions managed to continue their operations despite the long-distance moves, ensuring that teaching and learning carried on uninterrupted. National scholarships or grants were provided to university and middle school students whose families were in occupied areas, enabling them to complete their education and contribute to the nation.

The mid-section of Changfu Street, where Chen Lifu’s former residence was located, specifically Four Lanes, is now a completely different scene—skyscrapers stand tall, buildings are spacious, streets crisscross, and trees provide ample shade. Chen Lifu spent many years overseas and often exchanged poems and letters with old friends and acquaintances on the mainland, showing his deep longing for his homeland.