Cultural heritage buildings of Zhixin Middle School

Cultural heritage buildings of Zhixin Middle School

The cultural heritage buildings of Zhixin Middle School are designated as municipal cultural relics protection units in Guangzhou.

Zhixin Middle School is located at No. 152 Zhi Xin South Road. It was founded in 1921 as the Private Zhixin Middle School, initially situated at a school building on Yingyuan Road. In 1923, it moved to its current location on Zhi Xin South Road.

Zhixin Middle School was founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in memory of his close comrade and great democratic revolutionary Zhu Zhixin. Zhu Zhixin (1885–1920), also known as Dafu, with the courtesy name Zhixin, was originally from Xiaoshan, Zhejiang, but was born in Panyu, Guangdong (now part of Guangzhou). In the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign (1906), he joined the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) organized by Sun Yat-sen. He strongly advocated overthrowing the Qing government through revolutionary means and establishing an independent “Chinese Republic.” He once authored texts briefly introducing the revolutionary activities of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, as well as The Communist Manifesto, becoming one of the first in China to introduce Marxist theory. In 1920, in order to open up a new support front for the Guangdong-based Guangdong Army returning from Fujian, Zhu Zhixin risked his life by entering Humen to persuade Qiu Weinan to defect. Unfortunately, he died a heroic death at the age of only 35.

To commemorate the martyr’s glorious contributions to the revolution, in 1921, Sun Yat-sen assigned Liao Zhongkai, Sun Fo, and Hu Hanmin to establish a school in Zhu Zhixin’s honor. The original site was in what is now Yingyuan Road, and the school was named Zhixin Middle School. It later moved to its current campus in 1923.

Zhixin Middle School is nestled by Huanghuagang, surrounded by lush trees and blooming flowers, offering an elegant environment and a setting of outstanding talent. Especially notable is the school’s group of heritage buildings, which exude a classic charm and a rich cultural atmosphere. The tomb of Mr. Zhu Zhixin, originally located on Sima Hill, was relocated to the school grounds in 1936 and remains well-preserved to this day. Additionally, a white marble bust of Mr. Zhu Zhixin stands on campus for visitors to pay their respects. The old library built in 1923, along with the east and south wing faculty office buildings, are all two-story structures with red walls and green-tiled roofs. Their exteriors remain largely intact. The three buildings stand on three sides, complementing each other, with green-glazed tile roofs and red pillars that run through both the first and second floors, highlighting the beautiful natural and human landscapes of the Zhixin Middle School campus, leaving a deep impression on visitors.

The cultural heritage buildings of Zhixin Middle School include the main school gate, the south and north wing buildings with red walls and green tiles, the pond, and the small bridge.

In July 1999, it was listed by the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government as part of the fifth batch of Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Zhu Zhixin, also known as Dafu, with the courtesy name Zhixin, was originally from Xiaoshan, Zhejiang, and was born in Guangzhou. In the 28th year of the Guangxu reign (1902), he attended Guangzhou Jiaozhong School, where he, along with his uncle Wang Jingwei and Gu Yingfen, organized the Qunyi Study Society to explore new knowledge. In the 30th year of Guangxu, he was awarded a government scholarship to study in Japan, enrolling in the Law and Politics Accelerated Course. During his time in Tokyo, he read extensively, made many friends, and became acquainted with Sun Yat-sen and Liao Zhongkai, among others, deeply influenced by revolutionary ideas. In the 31st year of Guangxu, through the introduction of Hu Yisheng, he participated in the preparatory meeting for the Chinese Tongmenghui held in Tokyo and was elected as a member of the deliberative committee at the founding conference of the Tongmenghui... More detailed information about Zhu Zhixin++

Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units