Tour Notes: Travel Through the History to Appreciate the Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang

Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang is located on Chifeng Street, Heping District. The Young Marshal and Madam Zhao used to live here. Former furnishings of the residence had been recovered with image-text introduction of Zhang Xueliang’s life, through which, tourists can learn about his story and experience his living surroundings.

(Source: Tianjin Tourism)

The first sight after entering the yard is the three-floor splendid building. It is a white stair like building with western style. There is a big terrace on each second and third floor. A small fountain is set up in the middle of the yard, making the building much more elegant.

On the right side of the front door, there is an old-timey style restaurant enclosed by glass. Here tourists can eat the same private home cuisine in those years on the same table which the Young Marshal used to eat on to experience the lush life of him.

Right after entering the residence, we can see a culture wall posted with photos of Zhang Xueliang as well as relevant calligraphic characters and introduction.

Now in the Xueliang Restaurant of the Residence, we can also entertain guests to experience the former dining surroundings integrated with western modern style and Chinese traditional style.

A Chinese restaurant is on the left side of the entrance hall and a western restaurant is on the right side. The end part of the entrance hall is also known as “Stage of Mei Lanfang”. It is said that Zhang Xueliang adored the artistic attainments of Mr. Mei Lanfang and often invited him home for performance.

The western restaurant is full of the western smell of the Republican period. All furniture and articles were imported from western countries. Even the ceiling lamps are gorgeous. When walking on the stairs, we seem to be stay in the Republican period.

The study of Zhang Xueliang is right on the second floor. A four characters calligraphy banner inscribed by Mr. Sun Yat-sen is hanging right above the wall representing his recognition to the Young Marshal.

The Military-political Committee Room of the residence is solemn and serene with eight chairs tidily set out around the table. We can still feel the tense atmosphere here when the Young Marshal argued and discussed with his subordinates on those important meetings concerning national destiny.

In the reception room of Madam Zhao, we are attracted by those chairs with delicate sculptures of mandarin duck on the backs. They symbolize the forever love of the Young Marshal and Madam Zhao.

The third floor should be a dancing hall for their parties with friends in those years. On both sides of the hall, there are bar counter full of imported wines and leather sofa for rest. The middle part is open dancing floor with wood floor coverings.

The entire residence is strived to create an original style of Zhang Xueliang’s life during the Republican period so that tourists can experience a “time travel” here.

Tianjin tourism information:

Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang (Young Marshal’s Mansion)

Address: No.78 Chifeng Street, Heping District, Tianjin