Former Residence of Xiong Chengji and Exhibition Hall of His Life and Historical Materials

Former Residence of Xiong Chengji and Exhibition Hall of His Life and Historical Materials

The Former Residence of Xiong Chengji and Exhibition Hall of His Life and Historical Materials is a cultural tourism attraction.

Step into No. 6 Weijiajing on Dongguan Street, home to the former residence of Xiong Chengji. The site consists of three connected courtyards with a total floor area of over 370 square meters, featuring two linked "quadrangle compounds" with blue bricks, small tiles, wooden structures — a typical example of the Yangzhou architectural style. Xiong Chengji’s former residence is a municipal-level cultural relics protection unit and a base for patriotic education.

Xiong Chengji, a pioneer of the 1911 Revolution, was a passionate young man from the ancient city of Yangzhou. In the autumn of 1887, he was born into a scholarly family at No. 6 Weijiajing. In his early years, he displayed remarkable intelligence and read extensively about the nation’s affairs. He was deeply inspired by national heroes and patriots, dedicating himself to the liberation and prosperity of China. He joined revolutionary groups such as the Yuewanghui (King Yue Society), actively promoting revolutionary ideas and preparing for uprisings. Later, he participated in revolutionary organizations like the Anhui New Army and the Xuancheng Uprising. In 1907, after the failure of the Xu Xilin Anqing Uprising, the Yuewanghui decided to launch another revolt, appointing Xiong Chengji as the commander-in-chief. In the winter of 1908, the Qing court ordered troops from the Southern New Army and Hubei New Army to gather in Taihu, Anhui for military exercises. Taking advantage of the successive deaths of Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi, Xiong initiated an uprising among the Anhui New Army, paving the way for the Wuchang Uprising of 1911. After the uprising failed, Xiong went to Japan, where he met with revolutionaries like Sun Yat-sen and Huang Xing. In the spring of 1909, he was sent by the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) to carry out covert revolutionary activities in the northeast. In January 1910, he was betrayed by a traitor and arrested on January 30. In prison, Xiong wrote in his confession: “If I die one day earlier, the tree of freedom will be watered with my blood one day earlier; the sooner it is nourished with blood, the sooner it will flourish and bloom.” He signed the statement and also wrote the word “Revolution” with his own hand. On February 27, 1910, before his execution, Xiong Chengji declared, “This life is over. My death will only be worthwhile if China grows stronger by the day.” At just 23 years old, the martyr of the 1911 Revolution died a heroic death, and his name became known across China. After the founding of the Republic of China in 1912, in March, Dr. Sun Yat-sen personally attended the memorial service for martyrs Zhao Sheng, Xiong Chengji, and others from Jiangsu and Anhui, and posthumously honored Xiong with the rank of General of the Army as a special tribute. In July, Xiong Chengji’s remains were returned to Yangzhou and buried on Wansong Ridge of Shugang.

Deeply respectful of Xiong Chengji, the people of Yangzhou included the restoration and opening of his former residence in the 2010 Cultural Heritage City construction project. The restoration was overseen by the city’s Famous City Company. The first step was relocating six households that were living there; the second step involved carrying out the renovation work. Based on the original floor plan from the Xiong family’s property deed, the compound was reconstructed using traditional Yangzhou building materials and craftsmanship. Interior decoration and the Xiong Chengji historical exhibition were managed by the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau. The front buildings and wing rooms serve as exhibition areas, displaying a wealth of photos, texts, and artifacts that recreate key moments in Xiong’s life — from enlisting in the military for his country, to the Anqing Uprising, his heroic sacrifice, and his enduring legacy. The Former Residence of Xiong Chengji and Exhibition Hall of His Life and Historical Materials officially opened to the public on October 10, 2011, and has since become an important site for inspiring patriotism and promoting national spirit among the public.

Xiong Chengji (1887–1910), also known as Chengji, with the courtesy names Weigen or Weigeng, was a native of Yangzhou and a martyr of the Tongmenghui. As a child, he loved reading military treatises and discussing strategy, admiring national heroes like Yue Fei and Shi Kefa. He was determined to achieve great deeds and serve his country. In the summer of 1904, during the 30th year of the Guangxu reign, he enrolled in the Anhui Training Army Military Preparatory School. During his studies, he read revolutionary books such as "Awaken Your Spirit," "The Revolutionary Army," and "Alarm Bell for the World," and joined revolutionary groups such as the "Fellow Students Association" and "Yuewanghui," initiated by - and Bai Wenwei. After completing his studies, he enlisted in the Jiangnan New Army, serving as vice-commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Regiment, 9th Brigade... More details about Xiong Chengji ++