Zhang Qun’s Former Residence

　　   Zhang Qun’s Former Residence is located at No. 74 Shaoxing Road and now houses the Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House. The original owner was Zhang Qun. In 1929, he served as the third Mayor of Shanghai under the Nationalist Government.

　　   The residence was built in 1947 with a reinforced concrete structure. It has three floors above ground, covering a construction area of 937 square meters, and is a modern-style garden house. It was listed as one of Shanghai’s outstanding modern buildings in 1999.

　　   The building features an asymmetrical façade with setbacks on each level. Some walls have curved surfaces, and there are horizontal band windows and corner windows. The main façade faces south, with brown glazed bricks on the exterior walls and horizontal decorative lines. At the center of the building is a protruding curved inner balcony, while the west-side balcony is enclosed by brick railings that match the façade color. The east-side balcony is surrounded by cast iron ornamental railings. The overall design of the building is dynamic and varied, appearing light, smooth, simple, and full of movement.

　　   Stepping up the steps to the entrance porch, you’ll find a terrazzo floor and a ceiling supported by just a single column — simple and clean. Entering from the porch into the living room, the east wing contains a suite with fine finishes, separated by brass sliding doors, and there is also a small suite facing south. The iron grilles on the west windows of the living room feature two phoenixes facing each other, crafted in a vivid and playful style, bringing a sense of joy and good fortune to guests. The north door of the living room leads to the stairwell, where visitors’ attention is immediately drawn to the large rectangular stained glass window, which is divided into three sections and reaches up to the ceiling. It depicts natural scenes of flowers and trees. The spiral copper handrail at the stairway entrance is also remarkable, resembling an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. While admiring these elements, one can’t help but marvel at the refined decorative artistry of the modern architectural style.

　　

　　Zhang Qun (1889~1990)　　   Zhang Qun (May 9, 1889 – December 14, 1990), courtesy name Yuejun, was a native of Huayang County, Sichuan Province (now part of Tianfu New Area), and a founding member of the Kuomintang. He studied at the Baoding Army Rapid Training School in his early years and went to Japan in 1908 to attend the Shimbu Gakko Military Academy, where he was a classmate of Chiang Kai-shek. He later participated in the Xinhai Revolution, the Second Revolution, and the 0 Movement. Starting in 1927, he held various positions including Director of the Ordnance Bureau of the Nationalist Government, Mayor of Shanghai, Chairman of Hubei Province, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nationalist Government (December 1935 – March 1937). He also served as Secretary-General of the Central Political Council of the Kuomintang, Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan (January 1938 – December 1939)... Details+