Former Residence of Chen Yi and Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall

Former Residence of Chen Yi and Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall

The Former Residence of Chen Yi and Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a Classic Red Tourism Site, and a Patriotic Education Base.

The former residence of Chen Yi is located in Zhenggouwan, Laodong Township, 17.5 kilometers north of Lezhi County. It is surrounded by rolling hills, a small river winding along the terrain between peaks, lush trees, and swallows skimming the blue sky—a typical shallow hillside vernacular dwelling. The residence was originally built in the early years of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty. Chen Yi's great-grandfather bought this property in the Dingmao year of Qianlong, and after subsequent expansions, it came to include a total of 36 rooms of various sizes, covering a construction area of 750 square meters. The layout follows a traditional triple-courtyard quadrangle design with interconnected wooden structures, all oriented west to east. On August 26, 1901, Chen Yi was born in a small tile-roofed room on the left side of the first courtyard and spent his childhood here.

On July 10, 1980, the Sichuan Provincial People's Government designated the former residence as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit. After allocating funds to restore it to its original appearance, it was opened to the public. At the center of the entrance gate to Chen Yi’s former residence hangs a plaque inscribed with the name "Chen Yi’s Former Residence," personally written by - (editor’s note: refers to a prominent figure). On either side is a couplet composed by Zhao Puchu, Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China: “A reputation upright throughout the land; a legacy of extraordinary merit shining through the world.” On the left side of the courtyard stands a white marble statue of Chen Yi and his wife Zhang Qian. The residence prominently displays artifacts related to Chen Yi’s childhood life and studies. In the entrance hall and other areas are calligraphy works and precious inscriptions by - (editor’s note: refers to leaders), as well as artworks by renowned painters and calligraphers from across the nation. About one kilometer from the residence lies the ancestral shrine of the Chen family, constructed in the eighth year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty. It faces north, and is a small quadrangle with interlocking wooden structures. With carved beams and painted rafters, it has a quaint charm. In 1922, after returning from studying and working in France, Chen Yi stayed here for half a year. During that time, he installed water-powered mills, rollers, cotton gins, and simple irrigation devices over the Yangcha River outside the residence for the benefit of local villagers—an act still fondly remembered.

In 1986, a cultural relics exhibition hall was built 200 meters away from the residence on Meishan Hill and officially opened to the public on August 26, 1987. The layout of the exhibition hall draws inspiration from Jiangnan-style residential architecture and Suzhou-Hangzhou garden designs, with undulating terrain and winding paths. The building covers an area of 1,926 square meters, with a total structural floor space of 12,984.14 square meters. It consists of seven courtyards of varying sizes and 41 rooms, including five exhibition halls across 700 square meters. The exhibition hall complex is enclosed by a 500-meter-long stone wall, surrounded by lush bamboo, osmanthus, and fruit trees. In front of the main gate is a stone-paved terrace flanked by zigzagging stairways on both sides for access. In front of the terrace and along the pathway stand rows of cypress trees and tall cedar trees, highlighting the solemnity and dignity of the hall. At the front court of the exhibition hall sits a 4.5-meter-tall bronze statue of Marshal Chen Yi, robust and radiant. Dozens of cycads frame the statue. In the center of the inner courtyard pond is a water pool, with a black marble poetry stele nearby, engraved with famous poems by Marshal Chen Yi such as “Heavy Snow Weighs on the Pine” and “Three Chapters of Meiling,” adding refined elegance to the site. The five exhibition halls within the complex are divided into five phases and eighteen sections, systematically presenting the glorious life of Marshal Chen Yi through a wealth of realia, photographs, chronologies, poetry, writings, correspondence, battle maps, and statistical tables of military achievements, totaling 461 historical items.

The Former Residence of Chen Yi and Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall not only features rich, vivid, and informative revolutionary relics with immense historical value, but also boasts a graceful environment and beautiful scenery. It has become a scenic destination that integrates gardens, landscapes, and memorial facilities, and has been listed as a Sichuan Provincial Base for Patriotic Education and Spiritual Civilization Development.

Protected Area: 100 meters beyond the perimeter wall of the residence.

Construction Control Zone: 100 meters beyond the Protected Area.

Location of the Attraction

Zhenggouwan, Laodong Township, 30 kilometers northwest of Lezhi County, Ziyang City

Chen Yi (August 26, 1901 – January 6, 1972), also known by the courtesy name Shijun and literary name Zhonghong, was a native of Lezhi, Sichuan. He was an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China, a tested and loyal communist fighter, a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist, diplomat, and poet. He was one of the founders and leaders of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, a Marshal of the People’s Republic of China (one of the Ten Marshals), and an eminent leader of the Party and the country. He also served as the first mayor of Shanghai in New China.

I. Early Years of Chen Yi

(1901–1927)

Chen Yi… More details about Chen Yi++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units