Former Residence of Han Fenglou

Former Residence of Han Fenglou

The former residence of Han Fenglou is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

The former residence of Han Fenglou is located in Nanguan Natural Village (east of the village’s main street), Chengguan Administrative Village, Suohe Subdistrict Office, Xingyang City, Zhengzhou. It was built in 1918. The compound faces east and features a structure where the most distinctive building is the main building in the rear courtyard. It is a brick-and-wood structure with a flush gable roof. The front eaves are adorned with carved wooden floral patterns, and the second-floor doorway is equipped with a wooden-plank corridor and railings. The two corners of the walls are inlaid with exquisitely carved brick ornaments. The overall style reflects the local architectural characteristics of Xingyang from the Republican era.

Han Fenglou (1885–1956), styled Wufeng, was a native of Nanguan in the old town of Xingyang. He was a late-Qing Dynasty imperial examination student and studied military science in Japan for five years. After returning to China, he participated in the anti-Qing uprising in Yunnan. He successively served as the head of military academies in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Sichuan, as well as the left-wing commander-in-chief of the National Pacification Army. While at the Yunnan Military Academy, Zhu De and Ye Jianying were among his students. After retiring and returning to his hometown, he founded schools, recommended progressive youths to go to Yan'an, refused to take up puppet government positions, and became an enlightened gentry. In modern Chinese history, especially during the early Republic of China, Han Fenglou was involved in many significant historical events and had a certain influence and legendary status.

The Han family residence can be considered an outstanding representative of the many ancient dwellings in the old town of Xingyang. Not only is it exquisitely built, but it also holds high reference value for studying the economy, culture, and many other aspects of the Republican era. Moreover, it provides valuable material for understanding the legendary life of Han Fenglou, making it of great historical and scientific significance.

Seventh Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units of Henan Province

Source: Zhengzhou Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics

Chengguan Village: Chengguan Village…… More information about Chengguan Village++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units of Henan Province