Isn’t it remarkable how a simple folk house can be the birthplace of a significant historical figure? We are standing before the Former Residence of Zhang Wentian. It is located in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. This traditional house witnessed the early life of Zhang Wentian. He was the 4th General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Residence of Zhang Wentian occupies 495 square meters. The total area covers 686 square meters. Its story began long before Zhang Wentian’s rise to prominence.
Zhang Wentian’s ancestors built this folk house in the Qing Dynasty during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor. On August 30 1900 Zhang Wentian was born here. He spent his formative years here between 1900 and 1932. He then departed for the Jiangxi-Fujian Soviet.
However, the residence fell into disrepair in the 1980s. Fortunately, its historical importance was recognized.
In 1985, the Shanghai Municipal Government added it to the Shanghai Municipal Cultural Preservation Unit List. A year later, Chen Yun inscribed the plaque “Former Residence of Zhang Wentian”. Chen Yun was the 6th First Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection at that time.
Extensive renovations began in 1989. The work was completed in September of the same year. In 1992, the Former Residence of Zhang Wentian officially opened to the public.
Later, in 2001, it gained even greater recognition. It was listed among the “Major National Historical and Cultural Sites in Shanghai”. The State Council of China granted this honor. In 2004, it became a National Patriotic Education Base. This was designated by the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Former Residence of Zhang Wentian has a brick and wood structure. It embodies the characteristics of Jiangnan rural architecture. The house faces south. It includes a main house and two compartments. There are five main rooms and two wing rooms. Four useful rooms are on the outside of the West Wing room. In total, there are thirteen rooms. A brick patio sits in the middle. A wooden gate pavilion stands in front.
Once vegetable gardens and green trees adorned the front. Green bamboos and river ditches marked the back. Bamboo fences surrounded the property. It created an idyllic scene.
Zhang Wentian’s life was marked by revolutionary activities. He joined the Communist Party of China in 1925. He held several important positions. These included Minister of the Propaganda Department and member of the Standing Committee. He was also Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee. Later, he became the first vice minister of the foreign ministry.
Despite facing criticism and persecution later in his life Zhang Wentian remained dedicated to his studies. He focused on Marxist economic theory until his death in 1976.
In 1990, his former residence was renovated to commemorate his 90th birthday. His bedroom, study, living room, and kitchen were restored. Many original pieces of furniture were preserved. An exhibition room was created to display Zhang Wentian’s revolutionary history. The 253 pictures and 266 objects offer a glimpse into his life.
The Residence of Zhang Wentian stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.