Former Residence of Zhuang Lefeng

Former Residence of Zhuang Lefeng

The former residence of Zhuang Lefeng is a protected cultural heritage site in Tianjin.

The former residence of Zhuang Lefeng is located at No. 10 Huayuan Road today. Built in 1926, it covers an area of 2,724 square meters with a construction area of 3,735 square meters. It was designed and constructed by the foreign architect Bodechtel. The entire structure features beautiful composition and well-proportioned design. The building faces west and is oriented from east, with the main building having four floors in a German courtyard architectural style. This property has one main building along with two additional two-story auxiliary buildings. The main building is greyish in color, with a magnificent and imposing exterior. The entrance hall includes a cloakroom, while the first floor contains an antechamber, living room, dining room, bedrooms, and a grand hall for hosting balls. The second floor surrounds the hall with a balustraded corridor, offering a view overlooking the activities in the main hall. The third and fourth floors both have large balconies, with carved decorations beneath the large windows, adding distinctive charm. The interior is fully equipped with heating and bathrooms. The ceilings feature intricate floral designs, and the hallways and rooms have tall wainscoting. The full-length mirror in the entrance hall is an ancient Belgian mirror. The walls are adorned with classical pilasters. The patterns between the columns exhibit an ancient decorative floral style. The exterior wall finish of the building uses warm tones, and the roof is styled in imitation of the French Mansard style. The overall architecture is harmoniously composed, with a majestic exterior and exquisitely decorated interiors. In 1968, the Municipal Education Bureau moved into this building from its former site on Hubei Road and subsequently added some new structures. Today, the complex consists of 97 rooms in the main building, 13 single-story rooms, totaling 110 rooms, with a construction area of 3,735 square meters.

Zhuang Lefeng (1873–1949), originally from Danyang, Jiangsu, was a well-known figure in Tianjin’s industrial sector in his early years. He served as a director of the Kailuan Mining Administration and the former British Municipal Council, and he initiated and led fundraising efforts for the establishment of Tianjin Yaohua School.

He resided in Tianjin for a long time. He graduated from the Beiyang Naval Academy and later taught there for a period. In 1900, he served as an interpreter for Zhang Yi, the supervisor of the Kaiping Mining Bureau. Due to his involvement in transactions between Zhang Yi and the British company Jardine Matheson regarding the Kaiping mines, he faced considerable criticism and once went into hiding in Qingdao. Later, he co-founded the Zhongxing Coal Mine in Zaozhuang, Shandong with figures such as Li Yuanhong, serving as a board member. During the 1920s and... Zhuang Lefeng detailed information++