Huo Yuanjia Memorial Hall

　　Huo Yuanjia was a martial arts master in the late Qing Dynasty. Filled with patriotism, he was driven by an intense desire to redeem the nation’s honor and inspire the spirit of national self-strengthening. He intimidated Western strongmen, boosting the morale of the Chinese people and earning the admiration of countless compatriots. To carry on Huo Yuanjia's legacy and promote the patriotic and martial spirit of this renowned martial artist, the People’s Government of Xiqing District, Tianjin, renovated his former residence in Xiaonanhe Village in 1986, built his mausoleum, and in 1997 further refurbished the residence and expanded the mausoleum, establishing it as the “Huo Yuanjia Former Residence Memorial Hall.” It was created to commemorate this world-renowned patriotic martial artist.

　　Huo Yuanjia’s former residence is located in the center of Xiaonanhe Village. Originally built in the early years of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty, it is a small rural courtyard house with blue brick and tile roofing. The residence faces south and features a main hall with one bright room and four inner rooms, along with one wing room each on the east and west sides. Inside the central main room hangs a portrait of Huo Yuanjia, who looks nothing like a man possessing unparalleled martial skills. On either side of the portrait are elegiac couplets written by Huo Dongge after Huo Yuanjia’s death: “A life of chivalry, a hero beyond compare,” which offer an objective assessment of Huo Yuanjia’s lifetime achievements. The west room served as Huo Yuanjia’s study during his lifetime, with a calligraphy banner high on the wall inscribed with Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s words for the Jingwu Athletic Association: “The Spirit of Martial Valor.” The east room was his bedroom — a modest space where at the end of an earthen kang (heated bed) stands a wardrobe, with a set of Ming-style furniture along the wall. The residence also displays stone locks, stone weights, swords, and a seven-section whip used by Huo Yuanjia during his martial training, as well as treasured relics such as the flags, badges, and membership certificates of the Jingwu Athletic Association. In addition, the residence exhibits stationery, furniture once used by Huo Yuanjia, and photos of him and his family from various eras, cherished and preserved by his descendants.

　　

　　Huo Yuanjia (1868~1910)　　Huo Yuanjia (January 18, 1868 – September 14, 1910) was a famous patriotic martial artist in the late Qing Dynasty. His courtesy name was Junqing, and he was of Han ethnicity. Born into a family of bodyguards, Huo Yuanjia inherited the family’s legendary “Mizongquan” (Lost Track Fist) martial art. In 1909, at the age of 41, he came to Shanghai through the introduction of Nong Jinshun and became the head martial arts instructor at the “Jingwu Gymnastics Association” founded by Chen Gongzhe and Chen Tiesheng. He was named one of the Top Ten Martial Arts Celebrities of Cangzhou. Dr. Sun Yat-sen spoke highly of Huo Yuanjia’s vision of “using martial valor to strengthen the nation and its people.” On the 10th anniversary of the Jingwu Association, he personally attended the celebration and inscribed the words “The Spirit of Martial Valor” in tribute to Huo Yuanjia. ...... Details+