“Did you know that this building behind me once housed a Qing Dynasty prince?” Today we stand before the \u5b59\u4e2d\u5c71\u884c\u9986 in Beijing. This place is more than just an old building. It is a monument to a pivotal moment in Chinese history.
The \u5b59\u4e2d\u5c71\u884c\u9986 is located at No. 23, Di’anmen East Street, Dongcheng District. It was once the private residence of Gu Weijun. Gu Weijun was the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Republic of China. But its story goes back further. It started as a Qing Dynasty royal residence.
In 1924, Sun Yat-sen journeyed north to Beijing. He came to discuss national affairs. This very building became his temporary home. It served as his headquarters during those crucial discussions.
Tragically, this is where Sun Yat-sen’s life drew to a close. He passed away here in March 1925. His passing occurred in the west room bedroom. Three days later, his coffin was moved to Biyun Temple in Fragrant Hills.
The \u5b59\u4e2d\u5c71\u884c\u9986 covers about 1,500 square meters. The buildings face south. Originally, the residence was divided into three sections. The east section was a garden. The west and central sections were living quarters. The rooms all feature brick and wood construction.
Stepping inside, imagine Sun Yat-sen during his final days. Picture the scene in the “Sun Yat-sen’s Death Memorial Room.” This inner and outer room has a beautiful lacquered screen in between. The room is simple but profound. Above the door hangs a plaque. It reads “Sun Yat-sen’s Death Memorial Room.” A marble engraving displays the date of his death. It states that he died here on March 12, 1925.
Sun Yat-sen’s legacy lives on within these walls.
Today, the \u5b59\u4e2d\u5c71\u884c\u9986 stands as a Beijing Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Unit. It is a reminder of Sun Yat-sen’s enduring impact on China. It marks the very spot where a revolutionary’s journey ended.