Yuan Shikai's Former Residence

　　   Yuan Shikai's Former Residence is situated on the west side of the road south of the central crossroads in Xiangcheng city center. Constructed in 1907 and completed in 1917, the residence features a layout that faces east, consisting of left, middle, and right axes with three courtyards each. When viewed from above, it resembles the Chinese character “富” (meaning “wealth”). In 1982, the left and right axis courtyards as well as the front section of the middle axis courtyard were demolished. Currently, the middle and rear sections of the central axis courtyard remain, preserving eight buildings with 36 rooms in total. It is a typical example of Qing Dynasty imperial-style architecture. In 1982, it was designated as a county-level cultural relics protection unit, and in 2000, it was listed as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit.

　　Yuan Shikai (1859~1916)　　   Yuan Shikai (September 16, 1859 – June 6, 1916), courtesy name Weiting (also spelled Weiting), art name Rong’an, was a Han Chinese from Xiangcheng, Henan Province, and a prominent political figure in modern Chinese history. He was the leader of the Beiyang warlords and became the first President of the Republic of China following the Xinhai Revolution. During his tenure, he actively promoted industrial development, unified the currency system, and established modern judicial and educational systems. However, later, influenced by constitutionalists such as Yang Du, he attempted to restore the monarchy and declare himself emperor, but was subsequently overthrown. Born on September 16, 1859, Yuan Shikai came from an aristocratic official family in Yuanzhai, Wangmingkou Town, Xiangcheng City, Henan Province. His father and ancestors were mostly local notables. The Yuan family... Details+