Former Residence of Xiong Xiling

　　The former residence of Xiong Xiling is situated in a small alley within Beiwensxing Street in the ancient city of Fenghuang. Just 200 meters east of the residence lies the picturesque Tuojiang River. The residence is a quadrangle courtyard featuring a traditional southern-style wooden and tile structure. It is relatively small but exquisitely built. Currently, four rooms of the residence remain largely in their original condition, rich in Miao ethnic flavor. The site is a key cultural relic protection unit at the county level.

　　The surroundings of the residence are tranquil and serene, with an ancient and simple architectural style. The layout is square-shaped, featuring a central open courtyard. Upon entering the gate, the left side is a front room of about ten square meters, also known as the reception room. The eastern side of the courtyard is a dedicated woodshed, containing stone mills, pestles, and other kitchen utensils, showcasing the owner’s frugal and diligent lifestyle at the time. As a child, Xiong Xiling loved to play in this woodshed and often learned how to operate the millstone and pestle, which nurtured in him from an early age a noble sentiment of empathy for the hardships of ordinary people and concern for the well-being of the poor.

　　Passing through the courtyard leads to the main room. On both sides of the wooden door of the main room hangs a couplet with bold and clear calligraphy: “Loyal and devoted to the nation throughout life, hoping for China’s rejuvenation; Half a lifetime dedicated to charity and education, nurturing talent for the nation.” This couplet reflects Xiong Xiling’s great ambition for the country and its people, as well as his dedication and efforts in running charitable enterprises to cultivate pillars of the Chinese nation.

　　The main room consists of three two-story wooden structures, displaying objects that Xiong Xiling used during his lifetime. Clear photos and vivid, moving texts document the steps and journey of Xiong Xiling’s life. Family matters, national affairs, and global issues were all within the scope of his strategic thinking. Endowed with profound wisdom and extensive knowledge, he devoted his entire life to the nation and its people during times of turmoil and crisis for the Chinese nation. Comrade Mao Zedong once remarked of Xiong Xiling: “When a person does good deeds for the people, the people will not forget him. Xiong Xiling did many good things.” A premier once gave a fair assessment: “Xiong Xiling was first-rate talent during Yuan Shikai’s era, serving as the Premier of the Cabinet. I remember Xiong Xiling’s affairs very clearly after reading about them.” Such high praise from these two great figures fully demonstrates the greatness of Xiong Xiling’s character and the exceptional spirit of patriotism and compassion for the people.

　　Since its official opening to the public in 2000, the former residence has welcomed nearly one million visitors, becoming a major cultural highlight in the ancient city of Fenghuang.

　　Fun Fact: Xiong Xiling was born in Fenghuang in the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1870), earning the titles “Child Prodigy of Hunan” and “Xiong the Phoenix.” He served as the first Premier of the Republic of China’s Cabinet. Although his tenure was brief, his reputation was significant. His childhood and adolescence were spent in this residence in Fenghuang, which connects to the south with the ancient temple of Confucius, the Dacheng Hall, to the east with the meandering Tuojiang River, and to the north with the Green Standard Army barracks of the Fenghuang Direct-Controlled Prefecture.

　　According to written records: Xiong Xiling’s former residence was built by his grandparents in the 28th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1848 AD). In the 8th year of the Tongzhi reign (1869 AD), Xiong Xiling was born in this classic, simple single-story house. Here, he studied, practiced calligraphy, and spent time with his family, passing his childhood and adolescence. Later, with his intelligence and extraordinary courage, he passed the imperial examinations for child students, scholars, and presented scholars, eventually becoming a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). From there, he left Fenghuang, left the provincial capital, and ventured to the nation and the world, becoming a renowned and distinguished statesman.

　　

　　Xiong Xiling (1870~1937)　　Xiong Xiling (1870-1937) Premier and Finance Minister of the Republic of China, educator, and industrialist. Native of Fenghuang County, Hunan Province. Born in 1870 into an official family in Fenghuang. He attended private school in his childhood. Passed the scholar examination at the age of 14 and was known as the Child Prodigy of Western Hunan. At the age of 20, he became a Jinshi and was appointed as a Shujishi (a low-ranking scholarly official) in the Hanlin Academy. In 1897, the Reform Movement of Hunan began. As a Hanlin scholar in his hometown, he assisted Governor Chen Baozhen of Hunan in implementing new policies, serving as the head of the Hunan Times School and hiring Liang Qichao as the head Chinese instructor. He was involved in managing and developing modern shipping in Hunan. He founded the Southern Society and the Xiang Bao newspaper; established... More+