Former Residence of Xu Shichang

Former Residence of Xu Shichang

The former residence of Xu Shichang is a cultural relic protection unit of Tianjin Municipality.

The former residence of Xu Shichang is located at No. 255 Xinhua South Road, Heping District. The entire residence consists of nine buildings with a total of 181 rooms, covering a construction area of 4,347 square meters. Although these nine buildings are situated on the same plot of land, they function as independent units — Xu himself lived in one, while the rest were allocated to his family members. The residence where Xu lived was an independent compound that covered 6.35 city mu, consisting of 26 rooms in a building and 4 rooms in a cottage, with a construction area of 1,085 square meters. It is a three-story Western-style building with a mixed structure and a red brick roof. The building has four steps and a platform at the entrance, with red cylinder bricks used for the surface. The first floor includes a living room, lounge, changing room, dining room, bathroom, etc.; the second floor contains bedrooms, a study, office, and inner living room; the third floor is made up of attic rooms. This former residence is currently used by the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission and is listed as an immovable cultural relic in Tianjin that has not yet been officially designated as a protected cultural heritage site.

Xu Shichang (October 24, 1855 – June 5, 1939), born in 1855 in Henan, was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the late Qing Dynasty and later earned the title of Jinshi (advanced scholar). He served as an advisor to Yuan Shikai since the latter’s military training at Xiaozhan and was his ally — one handling civil affairs and the other military matters, sharing the same vision. In 1905, he once served as a Grand Councilor. Xu Shichang was far-sighted and highly regarded by Yuan Shikai; however, he also managed to maintain a certain distance from Yuan, knowing when to advance and retreat. When Yuan declared himself emperor, Xu distanced himself through silence. On September 4, 1918, Xu Shichang was elected President of the Republic of China and resigned via telegram in June 1922. After stepping down as president, he… Xu Shichang — More Details ++