Former Residence of He Ziyuan

Former Residence of He Ziyuan

The former residence of He Ziyuan is a cultural relic under the protection of Guangdong Province and serves as a patriotic education base.

The former residence of He Ziyuan, a veteran of the Xinhai Revolution and a founding figure of modern education in China, is located in Xingning City, Guangdong Province. It is a traditional three-hall, two-wing Hakka ancestral house built in 1927 by He Ziyuan and his entire family. The residence showcases the Hakka people’s profound design philosophy that reveres nature, embodies the harmony of heaven and earth, and integrates the cosmos with human life. It is also a classic example of the traditional four-cornered enclosed Hakka dwelling. The plaque above the main gate inscribed with the characters “Guang Yu Lu” (“Glory and Prosperity”) is the authentic work of Liang Bocong, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Meizhou and mentor to Lin Fengmian. The couplet in the upper hall that reads “Another year is added, another son is born; cups are raised and toasts exchanged. With lanterns and moonlight, the festivity reaches its peak” was composed by Dr. Sun Yat-sen and calligraphed by Yu Youren. The central hall couplet “As fortune turns for China, joy abounds everywhere; in this mountain home, time passes in warm sunlight and gentle breeze,” along with the side couplets “Light illuminates the path ahead, prosperity inspires future generations” and “In front, the Stone Horse is flanked by the Dragon and Lion; behind, the Thunder Hill nestles by the coiling waters” were personally composed by He Ziyuan himself. The screen at the front hall is inlaid with an inscription by Dr. Sun Yat-sen: “The tide of the world is vast and mighty; those who follow it shall prosper, those who go against it shall perish.” On the right side of the main gate is carved a beautiful local legend well known among the people of Xingmei — the “Legend of the Stone Horse.” A plaque gifted by General Zhang Fakui, Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of China Army, personally honors He Ziyuan with the inscription “Five Generations Under One Roof.” The third national cultural relics survey conducted by the State Council listed He Ziyuan’s residence as an immovable cultural relic, while the People’s Government of Xingning City designated it as a protected “characteristic ancient dwelling.” In 2011, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution, a proposal at the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference recommended listing He Ziyuan’s residence as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit and a patriotic education base for Guangdong youth. In 2014, He Ziyuan’s hometown was included in the first group of “Famous Towns and Villages of Guangdong.”

He Ziyuan (1865–1941), courtesy name Línshū, also known as Dōnghàn, was a native of Xingning, Guangdong. He was a notable historical figure in Guangdong, a veteran of the Xinhai Revolution, and a founding figure of modern education in China. He successively founded several new-style primary and secondary schools, pioneering educational reform, promoting revolutionary ideals, and cultivating a large number of talented individuals. In 1905, he joined the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) and served as the principal oath administrator for Jiaying Prefecture. He was one of the leaders of the Huanggang Uprising in Chaozhou, Guangdong, and was secretly involved in planning the Huanghuagang Uprising in Guangzhou. In 1914, he responded to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s call to organize an army against Yuan Shikai, and was later tasked with developing mining operations to raise funds for the revolution. In 1920, he served as an advisor to Dr. Sun Yat-sen at the headquarters of the Guangdong Army, and in 1925, he helped raise military funds for the Eastern Expedition Army. He passed away in 1941.

The former residence of He Ziyuan is located in Xingning City, Guangdong Province. It is a traditional three-hall, two-wing Hakka ancestral home built in 1927 and is a typical example of the four-cornered enclosed Hakka architectural style. It perfectly reflects the Hakka people’s refined design philosophy that values harmony with nature, the unity of heaven and earth, and the integration of the cosmos with human life. It has been recognized by the third national cultural relics survey of the State Council as an “immovable cultural relic,” and the People’s Government of Xingning City has designated it as a “characteristic ancient dwelling” for protection.