Former Residence of Song Zheyuan

Former Residence of Song Zheyuan

The Former Residence of Song Zheyuan is a cultural tourism attraction.

Song Zheyuan had two residences in Tianjin, one on No. 17 Road and the other on No. 29 Road in the British Concession (now No. 253 Xinhua Road and No. 86 Nanjing Road in Heping District). The residence on No. 17 Road (now No. 253 Xinhua Road) was purchased by Song Zheyuan in 1932 under the name Mingren Hall from the British firm Sincere & Co., operating as an estate. It is a two-story brick-and-wood structure building, consisting of 21 rooms, 8 single-story houses, and 2 verandas, with a total floor area of 763 square meters. The side of the building along Xinhua Road features glass windows from top to bottom. During his time in Tianjin between 1932 and 1937, Song lived here with his wife and children. The original building has since been demolished and replaced by the Franklin Hotel.

Song Zheyuan (1885–1940), styled Mingxuan, was from Zhaohongdu Village, Leling City, Shandong Province.

From an early age, Song Zheyuan was diligent and eager to learn. He often rose early to study in the morning light and was so engrossed he could not bear to put down his books even when night fell. In four years, he completed the “Four Books,” the “Book of Songs,” the “Three Rites,” and the “Zuo Zhuan,” not only memorizing them but also understanding their meanings. Over seven years, he thoroughly studied Confucian classics such as the “Great Learning,” “Doctrine of the Mean,” “Analects of Confucius,” “Mencius,” “Book of Songs,” “Book of Documents,” “Book of Rites,” and “Zuo Zhuan,” while also extensively exploring historical figures including Emperor Gaozu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Emperor Taizu of Ming, as well as thinkers and strategists such as Guanzi, Yanzi, and Zhuge Liang… More detailed information about Song Zheyuan ++