Beidaihe Modern Architectural Complex

Beidaihe Modern Architectural Complex

The Beidaihe Modern Architectural Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The construction of modern architecture in Beidaihe dates back to the late 19th century. It entered a period of prosperity after China’s first tourist railway branch line was built here in 1917, during which 273 new villas were added over seven years. Together with the 253 villas built in the preceding three decades, by 1924 there were a total of 526 Chinese and foreign villas on the Beidaihe seaside, of which one quarter were owned by Chinese. Over the following twenty-four years, another 193 new villas were constructed, half of which were owned by Chinese.

These buildings are distributed along the Beidaihe seaside from Xilianfeng Mountain in the west to Geziwo, covering a total area of 18 square kilometers, with most featuring Western-style villa architecture.

For example, the Qiaohe Villa, also known as the Swiss Miss Mansion, is located at No. 5 An’er Road, Beidaihe, currently within the Beidaihe Sanatorium of the Ministry of Water Resources. Built in the 1920s, it faces south with the back to the north, featuring one basement level and two floors above ground. It has a rubble foundation, brick walls with stucco finishes, and parts constructed with rubble stones, showcasing European fortress-style architecture. This building is uniquely shaped, elegantly styled, and occupies a large site with an attached garden planted with rare flowers and trees, offering a beautiful environment. It is considered one of the outstanding examples of modern architecture in Beidaihe.

Further reading:

· Sixth Batch of Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units