Former Residence of Cao Kun

Former Residence of Cao Kun

The Former Residence of Cao Kun is a protected cultural heritage site of Tianjin.

Former Residence of Cao Kun

Era: 1923

Address: No. 2 Nanhai Road, Heping District, Tianjin

Category: Important Modern Historical Site and Representative Architecture

Cao Kun, courtesy name Zhongshan (1862–1938), was a native of Dagukou, Tianjin. He graduated early from the Tianjin Military Preparatory School and later aligned himself with Yuan Shikai, earning his high regard. He was appointed as the Tiger Brave General and First-Class Baron. He once served as the Governor and Military Commander of Zhili Province. In 1919, he was elected as the leader of the Zhili Clique warlords. In 1922, he defeated Zhang Zuolin in the First Zhili-Fengtian War, and the following year forced President Li Yuanhong to resign. He then secured the presidency of the Republic of China through bribery. In 1924, he was ousted by Feng Yuxiang in the Second Zhili-Fengtian War and returned to Tianjin in 1927, where he lived as a retired civilian, residing mainly in this residence.

After the fall of North China to Japanese forces, the puppet regime tried to lure Cao Kun into serving as a puppet leader with high-ranking positions, but he remained unmoved and preserved his integrity in his later years. He passed away here in May 1938.

The building faces Nanhai Road to the east, Chongqing Road to the south, Hebei Road to the west, and Luoyang Road to the north. It covers an area of 900 square meters, with a construction area of 1,244 square meters. It is a three-story Western-style brick-concrete structure with a basement. The central part of the main façade protrudes forward, with columns supporting the waist line above and below. The top floor features a hipped roof with overhanging eaves, giving the building a dignified and imposing appearance.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites of Tianjin