Former Residence of Tian Zhongyu

Former Residence of Tian Zhongyu

The former residence of Tian Zhongyu is a protected cultural heritage site of Tianjin.

The Tian Zhongyu Mansion is located at No. 42 Yingkou Road, Heping District, and is one of the better-preserved Western-style buildings in Tianjin. This mansion is a three-story Romanesque brick-and-wood structure built in 1922. It covers an area of 1,554.5 square meters, with a total floor area of over 1,756.16 square meters. The first thing that catches the eye is the four two-story-high Ionic columns in front of the building, giving it a majestic appearance. The building has a total of 18 rooms: the first floor includes a living room, dining room, ballroom, lounge, and restrooms; the second floor mainly consists of bedrooms, studies, and living quarters; while the third floor mostly houses living spaces and storage rooms. Below the three balconies on the second floor are delicately crafted floral and plant sculptures. The roof is a pointed, four-sided slope style, richly decorated. The interior is also exquisitely finished, featuring fireplaces, wainscoting, double-glazed windows with screens, and herringbone hardwood flooring. After Tian Zhongyu’s death in 1935, his mansion was inhabited by his descendants. After 1954, it became the business building of the Tianjin First Commercial Bureau Petroleum Procurement and Supply Station, and later underwent two renovations and expansions. It is now a residential property and is listed as an immovable cultural relic in Tianjin that has not yet been officially designated as a protected heritage site.

Tian Zhongyu (1869–1935), courtesy name Yunshan, was a native of Funing, Zhili. He graduated from the Beiyang Military Preparatory School. He once served as the commander of the first artillery battalion of the First Beiyang Army and as the garrison commander of Yanzhou. In 1908, he was appointed as the Chief Advisor of the Manchuria and Mongolia Military Training Branch. After the establishment of the Republic of China, he held positions such as Acting Civil Governor of Shandong, Garrison Commander of Caozhou, Military Governor of Yanzhou, and Commander of the Fifth Army Division. Later, he was transferred to Beijing to serve as Vice Minister of the Army, and the following year became the Military Governor of Chahar. After Yuan Shikai’s death, he served as both the Military Governor and Governor of Shandong. He later resigned, took up residence in Tianjin, and passed away due to illness in 1935.

Tian Zhongyu’s grandfather…… More details about Tian Zhongyu++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites in Tianjin