Former Site of the Geological Building of Peking University

Former Site of the Geological Building of Peking University

The former site of the Geological Building of Peking University is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The former site of the Geological Building of Peking University is located at No. 15 Shatan North Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was originally the Geological Building of the National Peking University.

The former site of the Geological Building of Peking University is situated within the courtyard at No. 15 Shatan North Street, on the west side of the street. This site was originally the family temple of Fu Heng, a Grand Secretary during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. A stele commemorating Fu Heng’s military achievements in the conquest of Jinchuan—known as the Fu Heng Western Sichuan Conquest Stele (an imperial stele commissioned by Emperor Qianlong)—once stood in the courtyard. In 1986, this stele was relocated to the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum for preservation. During the Republic of China period, the site was part of the Songgong Mansion estate owned by Songchun, a descendant of Fu Heng, and was referred to as the “Songgong Mansion Ancestral Hall.” In 1931, the National Peking University purchased the property. After raising funds through various channels, the university constructed the Geological Building on the site.

In December 1930, after Jiang Menglin became the President of Peking University, the university acquired the entire Songgong Mansion north of Hanhuayuan (the old campus of Peking University at the Red Building). With efforts from Hu Shi and others, funding support was secured from the China Foundation for the Promotion of Education and Culture, including a special grant for collaborative research. Using part of these funds, Peking University successively built new structures on the Songgong Mansion grounds, including the Library, the Geological Building, and the Grey Building dormitory.

This Geological Building was designed by the architect Liang Sicheng in 1934 and completed in August 1935. At the base of the southwest corner of the building, there is an inscribed cornerstone that reads: “On May 15, 1934, the 23rd Year of the Republic of China, Foundation Laid by Jiang Menglin, President of Peking University.”

In May 2013, the former site of the Geological Building of Peking University was listed as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics

Jiang Menglin (1886–1964), originally named Mengxiong, with the courtesy name Zhaoxian and the pseudonym Menglin, was a native of Yuyao, Zhejiang Province, and a renowned Chinese educator in modern history.

Jiang Menglin was born on January 20, 1886, in Yuyao, Zhejiang. He had taken the imperial civil service examination and earned the title of Xiucai (a successful candidate in the lowest level). In 1912, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley, and subsequently went to Columbia University in New York to study under John Dewey, earning a Ph.D. in philosophy and education. He served as the first Minister of Education of the Nationalist Government and as the Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan. He was also the longest-serving president in the history of Peking University. …  More details about Jiang Menglin++

Liang Sicheng, male, was a native of Xinhui, Guangdong Province, and a renowned Chinese architect and architectural educator. He dedicated his life to the study of ancient Chinese architecture and the field of architectural education. He systematically investigated, compiled, and researched the history and theory of ancient Chinese architecture, becoming a pioneer and founding figure in this discipline. He participated in the design of monuments such as the Monument to the People's Heroes and was a driving force behind the urban planning of the new capital of China. He oversaw several major design projects in the early years of the People's Republic of China and served as an advisor to the selection committee for the national flag and emblem of the new China.

Liang Sicheng, a famous Chinese architect.

1901…  More details about Liang Sicheng++

Further Reading:

·Fourth Group of Beijing Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units

·Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units