Former Residence of Nanzaotian

Former Residence of Nanzaotian

The former residence of Nanzaotian is a cultural tourism attraction.

Former Residence of Nanzaotian

Nanzaotian Chen Guiyuan was a notorious local tyrant in Qionghai, Hainan Island during the Second Revolutionary Civil War period. He became famous as the archetypal villainous landlord in the ballet and film *The Red Detachment of Women*.

The former residence of Nanzaotian is now located in Beimen Village, Lecheng Town, Qionghai City, Hainan Province. This abandoned mansion has endured over half a century of wind and rain, left with fallen leaves uncleared and gates tightly shut with no one to return. Nearby farmers told us that the original mansion was very large. The super typhoon in 1973 blew down part of it, leaving only two of the original three courtyards. His descendants later rebuilt a new flat-roofed house. The newly built structure is far less imposing than the old mansion.

Although Lecheng is an ancient town, after centuries of history, many traditional homes have fallen into disrepair. Those that have been preserved to this day and retain the characteristics of traditional Han Chinese architecture in Hainan are relatively concentrated in Chengzu Village. Their history can be traced back to the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. The "Nanzaotian" mansion is a typical three-courtyard, quadrangle-style Han Chinese residence in Hainan, and it is the largest surviving example in Lecheng that reporters have seen. The mansion features exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The walls, floor tiles, and roof tiles are neatly laid out, and the entire residence is well-preserved. However, the interior is empty, containing nothing but a round table and two four-legged stools. The photos in the frames on the walls are believed to be group portraits of Chen Guiyuan's extended family. There are over a dozen people in the photos, all dressed in bright clothing. Unfortunately, the images are covered with spots due to age. The "Nan Mansion" has also grown overgrown with moss and weeds due to long-term abandonment, giving it a rather eerie feel. In contrast, the surrounding residences are vibrant with blooming flowers, swaying coconut trees, and a lively atmosphere.

Address:

Guantang Avenue, Qionghai City, Qionghai Directly-controlled County-level Administrative Unit, Hainan Province

Chen Guiyuan, a native of Lecheng, Lueihui County, was a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy. After graduation, he served as the commander-in-chief of the Lueihui County Militia. In 1928, he imprisoned revolutionaries such as Feng Zengmin in the Lecheng Jail and subjected them to cruel torture. After the establishment of the Women’s Army, he was furious and eager to eliminate them immediately. In June 1931, upon hearing that the main force of the Red Army had moved south to Wanning, leaving only the Women’s Army behind to guard the Soviet area, he could not contain his delight and immediately gathered the county militia to raid the Soviet area, attempting to wipe out the Women’s Army in one fell swoop. However, they fell into an ambush and were captured by the Women’s Army. The Lueihui County Soviet Government then held a mass... More detailed information about Chen Guiyuan++