“Can you imagine,” I ask eyes fixed on the \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 “standing before a residence that has witnessed Shanghai’s evolution for over a century?” This isn’t just a building. It is a silent observer of history. The \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 stands as a testament to Shanghai’s rich past.
Originally built in 1900 by a German businessman named Woog. The \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 later became home to Sheng Xuanhuai. Sheng was a Qing dynasty tycoon politician and educator. He founded major banks and universities.
Before Sheng Xuanhuai acquired it, Woog sold the residence in 1912. He sold it just before World War I. Sheng Xuanhuai then acquired it. Sheng died in 1916. Subsequently, the residence was passed on to his son Sheng Chongyu.
Imagine the bustling streets outside in those early years. The residence offered a sanctuary from the city’s hustle. After the establishment of the Republic of China, Yuan Shikai sealed up the residence. The Sheng family were compelled to relocate. They moved to a place that is now Wujiang Road.
Later in 1929 the government seized the \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85. They seized it from the Sheng family due to alleged embezzlement. It was then transferred to Chen Diaoyuan. Chen was the former chairman of Anhui Province.
In 1933, Duan Qirui moved into this very residence. Duan was invited by Chiang Kai-shek to Shanghai. He lived here until his death in 1936.
During the war, part of the garden was repurposed. It became part of the Shanghai New Village. After the war, Sheng Chongyu reclaimed the house. The Sheng family would often gather here. The residence was also briefly owned by the Rong family.
After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the building served different purposes. It was once used as offices for the Shanghai Women’s Federation. It also housed the Shanghai Higher Education Bureau.
In the 1970s, after China and Japan normalized relations. The \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 became the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai. The consulate later moved. The garden was renovated. It then became the consul-general’s residence.
Architecturally, the \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 is a New Classical style building. It covers about 1,775 square meters. The building has a symmetrical layout. It features three stories. The exterior has recessed balconies. Inside, there are halls living rooms and dining rooms. There are also bedrooms and bathrooms. The grand hall features a colored glass ceiling.
Outside, a fountain pool once held Greek statues. These were sadly destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Today, the \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 stands as a protected historical site. It reminds us of Shanghai’s intricate past. It is a blend of German origins, Chinese ownership, and Japanese presence. A true melting pot of stories.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. The \u76db\u5ba3\u6000\u4f4f\u5b85 is more than just a building. It is a chronicle etched in brick and stone. It connects us to the generations who walked these same paths.