Former Residence of Huang Qixiang (Yiyuan Garden)

The former residence of Huang Qixiang (Yiyuan Garden)

The former residence of Huang Qixiang (Yiyuan Garden) is a cultural tourism attraction.

The former residence of Huang Qixiang is located in Xianfeng Village, Shuiche Town, Meixian District. It was the home of General Huang Qixiang, one of the principal founders of the China Agrarian Democratic Party and Vice Chairman of its Central Committee.

This is a residential building constructed during the Republican era, blending Chinese and Western elements and possessing the charming name “Yiyuan Garden.” The floor plan of the residence follows a longitudinal central axis symmetry. The building is divided into two main sections: the front section is a building in the Nanyang (Southeast Asian) architectural style, while the rear section is a traditional Hakka vernacular house, giving it a distinctive overall style.

In 1949, when Hu Lian's troops raided Meizhou, they set fire to the front building, leaving it in ruins. However, even after enduring 60 years of wind, rain, and sun exposure, it remains remarkably sturdy — the exceptional quality of its construction has surprised many.

Huang Qixiang (1898–1970)

Huang Qixiang, originally named Qixiang and styled Yuxing, was a native of Meixian, Guangdong. Born into a poor farming family, he studied at Wuben School in Meixian and the affiliated middle school of the Guangzhou Advanced Normal School in his early years. In the first year of the Republic of China (1912), he was admitted to the Whampoa Military Primary School in Guangzhou. Later, through the Second Wuhan Army Preparatory School, he advanced to the Artillery Department of the Baoding Military Academy. He graduated the following year and was assigned as a platoon leader in the artillery regiment of the First Brigade of the Border Defense Forces under the warlord Duan Qirui of the Anhui Clique. He was later transferred back to the Baoding Military Academy as a squad leader.

In the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922), he returned to Guangdong and served in the First Brigade of the Guangdong Army... More details about Huang Qixiang++

Xianfeng Village: Xianfeng Village... More details about Xianfeng Village++

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units