Former Residence of Lu Rongting (Yexiu Garden)

Former Residence of Lu Rongting (Yexiu Garden)

The Former Residence of Lu Rongting (Yexiu Garden) is a cultural relic protection unit of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The Yexiu Garden in Shuikou, Longzhou, also known as the Former Residence of Lu Rongting, is located on Old Street in Shuikou Town, Longzhou County. Built in 1919, it served as a reception hall where Lu Rongting entertained guests and met with foreign dignitaries during his tenure as Governor of Guangxi. Constructed in honor of his father, Lu Yexiu, the site was named Yexiu Garden. Lu Rongting is an important historical figure who had a significant impact on the history of Guangxi’s Zhuang ethnic group and modern China. His legendary life began in Shuikou Town, Longzhou County, and Yexiu Garden witnessed his rise from early prominence to the pinnacle of his career. In 1996, Yexiu Garden was listed as a cultural relic protection unit by the Longzhou County People’s Government. Starting in January 2008, with the active efforts of relevant departments in Longzhou County and the support of leaders at all levels, over 9 million yuan was invested to restore Yexiu Garden to its original historical appearance. The restoration included enriching the site with related cultural relics, and the project was completed in April 2012.

The former residence of Lu Rongting at Yexiu Garden was originally the site of the late Qing Dynasty’s General Office. It consists of the main building, front and rear courtyards, a gate tower, and a theater building, covering a total area of more than 7,000 square meters.

After more than four years of restoration, the Longzhou Lu Rongting Former Residence Exhibition Hall officially opened to the public on May 9, 2012. Through the display of a large number of texts, photos, and physical materials, the exhibition hall recreates the dramatic life of Lu Rongting and provides rich and detailed historical data for the study of Guangxi’s development in modern times.

Scenic Area Address: Northwest side of Old Street, Shuikou Town, Longzhou County, Chongzuo City

Transportation by Bus: Take a bus from Chongzuo to Longzhou, then transfer to a local bus to reach the scenic area.

Self-Driving Route: At the Liaotian Interchange Bridge, head toward Liuzhou/G65/G72. Enter the Guilin Ring Expressway via the Liaotian Small Bridge entrance. At the Chongkou Village Separation Interchange Small Bridge, head toward Nanning/Liuzhou, then toward Beihai/Airport/Friendship Pass/Hechi, and then toward Nanning East/National Avenue/Beihai. Turn slightly right to enter the Nanning East Interchange. At the Nanning East Interchange, head toward National Avenue, then enter the Quannan Expressway. Head toward Zhuxi Avenue/Baisha Avenue/Jinhu North Road, exit at the Longzhou/Xiashi interchange, enter the Xiashi Interchange, take the Nanyou Road branch, enter S3192, turn onto the Border Highway, and arrive at the destination.

Lu Rongting (1859–1928), leader of the Old Guangxi Clique warlords of the Republic of China. Originally named Yasheng, courtesy name Gànqīng, of the Zhuang ethnic group, he was from Xiongmeng Village, Ningwu Town, Wuming County, Guangxi, and was commonly referred to as “Lu Wuming.” Lu Rongting started as a wandering militiaman. In 1894, he was recruited by the Qing Dynasty and organized into the Jian Battalion’s Vanguard Company. Due to his vigorous suppression of secret societies, he successively held positions such as company commander, battalion commander, brigade commander, and division commander. In 1907, he reported having driven out revolutionary forces and reclaimed Friendship Pass (now Friendship Pass), earning promotion to Commander of the Left River Fort. In 1911, he was appointed Governor of Guangxi. During the Xinhai Revolution, Guangxi declared independence, and he was elected Vice-Governor; he advocated the principle of “Guangxi people governing Guangxi”... More details about Lu Rongting++

Shuikou Town: Located in the northwest of Longzhou County, Shuikou Town derives its name from the convergence of two rivers originating in Vietnam within the town. It is one of the national first-class ports. The town government is 35 kilometers from the county seat. It borders Wude Township and Xiaxiu Township to the east, Xiadong Town to the south, and Vietnam to the west and north, with a 56-kilometer border line. The town covers a total area of 183 square kilometers, governs 10 village committees, 1 neighborhood committee, 120 natural villages, and has a total population of 20,964. The town has 39,859 mu of arable land, including 7,800 mu of paddy fields and over 3,200 mu of dry land. Major grain crops include rice and corn... More details about Shuikou Town++