Former Residence of Rong Gu

Former Residence of Rong Gu

The Former Residence of Rong Gu is a Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a patriotic education base.

No. 2, 4, and 6, Lane 8, Zhiting Street, Guancheng, are three interconnected "three-bay, two-corridor" Qing Dynasty residences. Though they may look ordinary, they were the birthplace of a master in ancient studies and classical literature — Rong Gu.

On the 20th of this month, these humble houses will come alive. After being restored to their original appearance, they will reopen as the Rong Gu Former Residence Memorial Hall, becoming a landmark reflecting Dongguan’s history. The memorial hall will display 49 pieces of Rong Gu’s calligraphy, paintings, and personal items, all privately owned by his descendants and extremely precious. However, due to the relatively damp conditions of the residence, for the sake of cultural relic preservation, only replicas will be exhibited here. The authentic calligraphy, paintings, and utensils of Rong Gu will be simultaneously displayed at the Guancheng Art Museum.

Lane 8, Zhiting Street, is where Rong Gu was born.

This traditional Lingnan-style residential building covers an area of over 200 square meters and is divided into front, middle, and rear sections, each consisting of an independent "three-bay, two-corridor" unit. Between the two corridors is a small courtyard, behind which lies the central main hall flanked by two side rooms. Since the courtyard is slightly lower, the hall and rooms do not get too damp. The “four waters converging into the hall” is a typical feature of late Qing Dynasty residences in Dongguan.

According to accounts, Rong Gu’s father purchased this property from someone else during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. Rong Gu and his siblings were all born in this house. Until the age of 13, Rong Gu lived in this ordinary Dongguan residence, enjoying a happy childhood.

On November 8, 2008, the General Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province issued the “Notice on the Announcement of the Fifth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units,” listing the Rong Gu Former Residence among them.

Guancheng Subdistrict: Covering an area of 13.5 square kilometers with a population of 152,000, Guancheng has a history of nearly 1,250 years dating back to the second year of the Zhide era in the Tang Dynasty. As the political, economic, and cultural center of Dongguan, Guancheng has accumulated profound historical and cultural heritage over more than twelve centuries. With the Flag Peak and Guan River nurturing its roots, the culture of Guancheng boasts a long and rich legacy, making it one of the birthplaces of Lingnan culture and forming its own distinctive cultural identity.

Guancheng is a microcosm of Dongguan’s history and culture, exuding a strong humanistic atmosphere and embodying the unique spirit and soul of the city. In Guancheng, you can find the reliquary stupa of Zifu Temple from the Song Dynasty, the West City Tower from the Ming Dynasty, and sites that have witnessed… More details about Guancheng Subdistrict ++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units