Former Residence of Zhang Ting’e

Former Residence of Zhang Ting’e

The Former Residence of Zhang Ting’e is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zhang Ting’e lived here during his two terms as Mayor of Tianjin in 1934 and 1945. The former residence was built during the Republican era, located at No. 35 Minzhu Road, Hebei District, within the Italian Concession, covering a total area of 540 square meters. The building is a two-story structure with a brick-and-wood frame, featuring a semi-basement, front and rear pitched roofs, dormer windows, a south-facing entrance hall with a balcony upstairs, and both the surface and wall corners are constructed with imitation stone foundation styling.

The first floor serves as a reception hall, while the second floor includes living quarters and bathrooms, all designed in an Italian style and well preserved. Plans are underway to promote the site through measures such as applying for district-level cultural heritage protection status and installing explanatory plaques. It will be featured as a tourist attraction showcasing Italian architectural style for visitors to explore.

The former residence of Zhang Ting’e was built during the Republican era at No. 35 Minzhu Road, Hebei District. Originally owned by Duan Qirui, it was later inhabited by him after he was dismissed by Li Yuanhong during the 1917 power struggle in the Beiyang Government and moved to Tianjin. Zhang Ting’e purchased the property through installment payments under the family’s name, Yishuntang. He and his family resided in the main building. The house is a large-scale Italian-style two-story building with a brick-and-wood structure, including a rear wing and basement, covering two acres with over thirty rooms above ground. It features front and rear pitched roofs, dormer windows, a south-facing entrance hall with a balcony, and both surface and wall corners styled with imitation stonework. The first floor functions as a reception hall, and the second floor includes bedrooms and bathrooms, totaling 540 square meters. The original compound included a stable left by Duan Qirui, which Zhang converted into a garage after acquiring a car. The property was surrounded by square bricks, planted with lilacs, jujube trees, and dragon claw locust trees, and included a swing set with many fish tanks along the sides. After the liberation of Tianjin, the former residence on Minzhu Road was used by the military and served as a guesthouse for officials and a kindergarten. To this day, it remains in use as office space, with its original appearance largely preserved.

Zhang Ting’e (1890–1973), courtesy name Zhiquing, was a native of Fengrun, Zhili, from a poor family. He graduated early from Zunhua School and later went to Japan, where he unsuccessfully applied to an engineering school in Osaka. In 1911, he enrolled in the Zhili Higher Industrial School and after graduation, worked as a mechanic at the Dagukou Shipyard. Though holding a modest official position, Zhang was clever, articulate, and highly sociable, adept at forming close relationships with senior figures across generations, often moving among political circles. He quickly rose to become Chief Inspector of the Tianjin Inland River Shipping Bureau, was promoted to Director in 1917, and later held positions such as General Manager of the Beijing Telegraph Bureau and Supervisor of the Zhili-Shandong Telegraph Administration. He also... Zhang Ting’e – More Details ++