Former Residence of Zhang Gonghui

Former Residence of Zhang Gonghui

Era: 1930s

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

Category: Important Modern Historical Site and Representative Architecture

Zhang Gonghui was the son-in-law of Tang Shaoyi, the first Premier of the Republic of China, a Chinese member of the British Concession Council in Tianjin, and had served as the Chinese Consul General in Honolulu, USA, before later becoming a U.S. citizen.

The residence is bordered by Huayuan Road to the east, Xinhua Road to the south, Chifeng Avenue to the west, and Liaoning Road to the north. It covers a land area of 591 square meters and a construction area of 754 square meters. It is a three-story Western-style building designed by the renowned Italian architect Bonetti (BONETTI). The main structure has two stories, with the exterior finished in cement. The entrance is located at the corner of the building, featuring a sloped-roof foyer with an arched balcony above. The central part of the building is recessed, while the sides protrude, and the top floor includes an octagonal sloped-roof pavilion with open terraces on both sides. The building’s exterior is varied in height and distinct in layering, with an exquisitely crafted and aesthetically pleasing design. Inside, there are rooms such as a living room, floral hall, dining room, cloakroom, and bedrooms, all fully functional and exquisitely decorated. It was a British-style private villa in the French Concession at the time. The building remains in good condition today.