Bing Xin Memorial Hall

Bing Xin Memorial Hall

The Bing Xin Memorial Hall serves as a patriotic education base.

The Bing Xin Memorial Hall is located in the former site of the British Commissioner's Residence of the Donghai Customs, atop Yantai Hill.

The former residence was built in 1863, featuring a brick-and-wood structure, a hipped tile roof, wraparound verandas, wooden flooring, ceilinged rooms, and a fireplace. With a construction area of 514 square meters, it is a classic example of British colonial-era arcade-style architecture in Asia.

In 2006, the building, as part of the modern architectural complex on Yantai Hill, was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the State Council. In 2007, the city's cultural authorities conducted comprehensive restoration work to preserve its historical appearance. In the first half of 2008, the courtyard was further renovated, with pathways installed and trees and flowers planted, greatly enhancing the landscape. Bing Xin is a precious cultural asset and intangible heritage of Yantai. To commemorate her deep historical connection with the city, and following directives from the municipal leadership, the cultural authorities began renovating the former Donghai Customs Commissioner’s Residence on Yantai Hill into the Bing Xin Memorial Hall in January 2008. The project was completed by the end of July 2008 and officially opened to the public on August 3, 2008.

The Bing Xin Memorial Hall consists of five sections and nine exhibition rooms, displaying over 80 precious historical photos, more than 20 artifacts, 66 books and periodicals, 5 newspapers, 11 documents (replicas), 3 sand table models, one white marble statue of Bing Xin, and one bronze sculpture of her. These exhibits depict various aspects of Bing Xin’s historical ties to Yantai. The establishment of the memorial hall on Yantai Hill aims to leverage her profound historical connection with the city, using the cultural tourism platform of Yantai Hill to showcase her manuscripts, works, photographs, and personal items. By preserving and passing on Bing Xin’s compassionate literary legacy and life stories in Yantai, the initiative strengthens research on her literary contributions, promotes patriotic education, and supports the development of Yantai as a prominent cultural hub.

Bing Xin (October 5, 1900 – February 28, 1999), originally named Xie Wanying, was from Changle, Fujian. She was a Chinese poet, modern writer, translator, children’s literature author, social activist, and essayist. Her pen name, Bing Xin, is derived from the phrase “A piece of ice in a jade pot.”

Born in 1900 during the 26th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty in Fuzhou, her father, Xie Baozhang, served in the Beiyang Navy. At the time of Bing Xin’s birth, her father was the deputy commander of China’s largest warship, the Haiqi, stationed in Shanghai. The following year, before she turned one, her mother moved with her to Shanghai. Two years later, her father was transferred... More details about Bing Xin ++