Former Residence of Dao Anren

Former Residence of Dao Anren

The former residence of Dao Anren is a cultural heritage site protected by Dehong Prefecture.

The former residence of "The Heroic Frontier Man" Dao Anren is located in Xincheng Township, Yingjiang County, about 30 kilometers from the county seat, and is one of the patriotic education bases in Dehong Prefecture. Originally the office of the Gan崖 Tusi, it was first constructed during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Built with earth and wood, the structure had three courtyards and four halls. After enduring multiple disasters, only three wing rooms remained before restoration. In 2008, the local government invested 4.4 million yuan to renovate the site. Now, 192 cultural relics are on permanent display in the residence, including the official seal of the Gan崖 Tusi, personal items used by Dao Anren, oil paintings from his overseas studies, as well as precious artifacts such as military theatrical costumes. These exhibits comprehensively showcase the life and historical contributions of Dao Anren, the pioneer of the Dai people’s democratic revolution — from inheriting the Tusi title, studying in Japan, to initiating the Tengyue Uprising. Among Dao Anren’s major literary works are *Records of Resistance Against the British*, *Travel Records*, *Prison Chronicles*, *Dai Poetic Rhyme*, the Dai-language drama *Aluan Xiangmeng*, and *Tao Hesheng*. Near the former residence lies the renowned "China's Rubber Mother Tree." Standing over 20 meters tall with a trunk circumference of more than 2 meters and a root diameter of around 1 meter, this centenarian tree was brought back and planted by Dao Anren in 1904 during his journey to Japan via Malaysia. Originally, over 8,000 rubber trees were introduced, but due to lack of maintenance and years of war, only three survived by the time of the nation’s liberation. Later, two more perished due to harsh weather. The sole surviving mother tree is the earliest rubber tree introduced to China, predating those from Taiwan by two years and those from Hainan by one year. It holds the distinction of being the oldest and first-introduced rubber tree in the country, hence known as "China's Rubber Mother Tree." Surrounding it are the descendants of the original tree, flourishing over the past century. Walking into the rubber plantation feels like entering an endless sea of green forest, offering breathtaking views and a deep sense of pride. Despite its age, the mother tree remains upright, lush, and vigorous, symbolizing resilience and endurance. Both the rubber mother tree and the former residence are now listed as nationally protected key tree species and a key cultural heritage site of the prefecture.

Dao Anren (Yunnan Patriotic Figure)

Also known as Xi Anren, courtesy name Peisheng, male, he was the 24th-generation Tusi of the Xuanfu Office of Gan崖 (modern-day areas of Xincheng, Jiucheng, and Longzhang in Yingjiang County, Yunnan).

In his youth, he repeatedly called upon people of the Dai, Han, Jingpo, Lisu, and Achang ethnicities to resist British invasion forces. He traveled to India and Japan to study capitalist systems. Influenced by democratic revolutionary ideals, he returned to his hometown to engage in revolutionary activities. In 1906, he went to Japan again, establishing ties with revolutionaries such as Sun Yat-sen and Song Jiaoren, becoming an early member of the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance). In 1907... More details on Dao Anren ++