Former Residence of Chen Guangyuan

　　    The former residence of Chen Guangyuan is situated at No. 48 Dali Road, Heping District. It is a European-style modern building with a grand gateway and high steps. The walls are constructed from yellow sulfur-glazed bricks, and the most eye-catching features include the second floor that juts out over the third, a large terrace on the second floor, and an octagonal pavilion on the roof of the third floor. The architectural style is unique, dignified, and majestic, exuding both luxury and grandeur. This former residence is currently used as a kindergarten by the Health Bureau and is listed as an immovable cultural relic in Tianjin that has not yet been officially designated as a protected site.

　　Chen Guangyuan (1872~1939)　　    Chen Guangyuan (1872–1939), courtesy name Xiufeng, was a native of Wuqing, Zhili (now part of Tianjin). Among the wealthy former Beiyang officials residing in Tianjin’s foreign concessions, he was considered the foremost millionaire. At the age of 19, he entered the Beiyang Military Academy in Tianjin. After graduation, he held various positions including officer of the Wuyi Right Army, head of the General Affairs Office of the Beiyang Standing Army’s Military and Political Department, infantry commander, and commander of the Eighth Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Beiyang Army. In 1918, after Feng Guozhang became acting president, Chen was appointed military governor of Jiangxi. Together with Li Chun, the military governor of Jiangsu, and Wang Zhan yuan, the military governor of Hubei, they were known as the “Three River Governors” and were key figures among the Zhili Clique warlords. In 1922, he was dismissed from his post and came to Tianjin as a former official. In Tianjin, through his son-in-law Gong Xinzhan who was involved in Beiyang enterprises... Details+