Former Residence of Gai Jiaotian

The former residence of Gai Jiaotian

The former residence of Gai Jiaotian is a cultural heritage site protected by Hangzhou Municipality.

The former residence of Gai Jiaotian is located at No. 26 Jinshagang, Hangzhou, also known as Yannan Jilu. It was built in the 1920s and 1930s by the renowned Peking opera performer Gai Jiaotian.

The residence consists of a front hall, main hall, rear hall, left and right wing rooms, and a Buddhist hall, maintaining the typical architectural style of a Jiangnan-style residence with grey tiles and white walls. Over 200 personal belongings of the late Gai are displayed here, showcasing his artistic journey and achievements.

In 2003, the former residence of Gai Jiaotian was restored to its original appearance, with exhibits featuring his personal belongings and historical photos. The residence, with its white walls and grey tiles, reflects the typical Jiangnan-style residential architecture. Inside, it comprises a front hall, main hall (Bairen Hall), rear hall (Artists’ Home), left and right wing rooms (Gai Jiaotian Memorial Hall), and a Buddhist hall, forming a unique and complete private courtyard estate. Gai Jiaotian spent most of his life here, not only rigorously practicing and performing opera within the grounds but also hosting famous fellow artists such as Mei Lanfang and Zhou Xinfang. Senior revolutionary figures like Zhou Enlai and Chen Yi also visited. The residence not only witnessed Gai Jiaotian’s life and career but also reflects segments of modern theatrical development and the respect and care shown by revolutionary leaders toward artists.

Address: No. 26 Zhaogongdi

Protected area: Within the perimeter wall of the former residence, covering a total area of 1,471 square meters.

Construction control zone: Extending to the new West Lake shoreline on the east, south, and north sides, and bounded by the alley west of the residence on the west side, covering a total area of 4,726 square meters.

Gai Jiaotian (1888–1971), originally named Zhang Yingjie, styled Yannan, with childhood nicknames Laohei and Laodong, and stage names Jin Douzi and Gai Jiaotian. He was from Xiyancun Village, Gaoyang. Born into poverty, he and his fourth elder brother joined the Longqinghe Troupe in Tianjin at the age of eight due to a flood in their hometown that made life difficult, beginning his stage career. Diligently learning opera to make ends meet, he was spotted by Qi Ruiting, a leading instructor in the troupe, who taught him martial arts roles and gave him the stage name “Xiao Jin Douzi.” He began performing on stage at the age of ten.

In the 26th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1900), after the Eight-Nation Alliance occupied Tianjin, Gai Jiaotian briefly returned home... More detailed information about Gai Jiaotian++