Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall

Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall

The Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a patriotic education base.

The Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall, located on the north side of the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Yanqing District, is a thematic biographical memorial dedicated to Zhan Tianyou, a patriot who made outstanding contributions to modern railway construction in China. It was opened to the public in November 1987. The memorial includes an homage hall, a prologue hall, and three exhibition halls, presenting the life journey of Zhan Tianyou—from his studies, dedication to railway construction, resistance against Qing forces to protect railways, to his support for the Xinhai Revolution. It also displays surveying instruments, tools, seals, medals, and construction equipment from the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway that were used by Zhan Tianyou during his lifetime.

The Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall is situated on the north side of the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Yanqing District. It is a thematic biographical memorial established to honor Zhan Tianyou, a patriot who made significant contributions to modern railway development in China, and was opened in November 1987.

The museum covers a construction area of approximately 1,800 square meters. It is built over the Badaling Tunnel of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway—the first railway independently constructed by China and overseen by Zhan Tianyou. The structure follows the contour of the mountain, featuring a simple design that stands in visual harmony with the bronze statue and tomb of Zhan Tianyou at the Qinglongqiao Railway Station inside the Great Wall. The building features a large relief sculpture, about 41 meters long and 5 meters high, which portrays Zhan Tianyou’s prominent portrait and highlights his contributions against the backdrop of modern Chinese history, symbolizing the historical significance of his achievements in the nation’s development.

Address: Badaling Special Zone, Yanqing District, Beijing

Phone: 010-69121516, 010-69121006

Official Website: http://www.china-rail.org/

Opening Hours:

9:00–16:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Ticket:

Admission: 17 RMB

Zhan Tianyou (1861–1919), courtesy name Juan Cheng, was a native of Nanhai County, Guangdong Province. He was a great patriotic engineering expert. On July 8, 1872, at just 12 years old, Zhan Tianyou became one of the first group of Chinese government-sponsored students to study in the United States. In 1881, he graduated with honors from Yale University, earning a bachelor's degree. After returning to China, he participated in the Battle of Mawei. Following the war, he was transferred to the Whampoa Naval Academy as an instructor. Later, he oversaw the construction of multiple railways, including the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway. He passed away from overwork at 3:30 p.m. on April 24, 1919, in Hankou, at the age of 5... [More details about Zhan Tianyou++]

Further Reading:

· National Third-Class Museum of China