Baofenglong Shop in Gejiu City, Honghe
Location and Historical Background
Baofenglong Shop (宝丰隆商号) is located at No. 42, Shengli Road (胜利路) (formerly Baofeng Lane, 宝丰巷), Gejiu City (个旧市), Honghe Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. Construction commenced in 1916 (民国五年) and concluded in 1926 (民国十五年), making it a significant historical site. The shop occupies 7,714 square meters with a building area of 5,132 square meters, showcasing architectural elements that reflect a blend of Chinese and Western styles.
Baofenglong Shop is regarded as the only remaining tin mining smelting relic in the Gejiu area and is notable for being one of the largest and most influential tin smelting workshops during the Republic of China period. Its historical, scientific, and artistic values are high, contributing to its recognition as a national key cultural relic.
In 2013, the shop was officially designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Historical Evolution
- Early Republic Era (1912): Li Pin (李聘), a well-known merchant, constructed his private mansion, which laid the groundwork for Baofenglong Shop.
- 1916: Construction of the shop began.
- 1926: The shop was completed and opened for operations.
- 1951-2002: The premises underwent various transformations, serving as a detention center and drug rehabilitation facility. During this time, parts of the complex were demolished and repurposed.
- 2003: Management was transferred to the Gejiu City Cultural Relics Management Office, leading to preservation efforts.
- 2017: Comprehensive restoration of the site was undertaken.
- 2018: Fire safety engineering was completed.
Architectural Layout
The architectural design of Baofenglong Shop is characterized by a central courtyard that houses various structures, combining traditional Chinese architectural elements with Western influences. The entire site is constructed on a hillside, integrating naturally with the landscape.
Major Buildings
- East Gate Tower (东门楼)
- Features a four-slope water-style tiled roof with French red tiles.
- Area: 743.5 m², five bays wide and two bays deep.
- Contains a stone archway and double-leaf doors, with window frames made of stone.
- French-Style Main Building (法式主楼)
- A flat-roofed building surrounded by brick parapets.
- Area: 842 m², five bays wide and two bays deep.
- The exterior is finished in yellow, with stone archways and wooden windows.
- Left Side Room (左耳房)
- Features a single-eave hard roof made of gray tiles.
- Area: 599.5 m², six bays wide and four bays deep.
- The walls are made of silk-seamed blue bricks, adorned with wooden doors and windows.
- Right Side Room (右厢房)
- Mostly destroyed; only a corridor remains.
- Area: 99.3 m², six bays wide with a floor paved with blue stone slabs.
- Ancillary Rooms (配房)
- A single-eave structure with a hard roof of gray tiles.
- Area: 391 m², five bays wide and one bay deep.
- Embroidered Building (绣楼)
- A single-eave building with a four-slope tiled roof.
- Area: 490.5 m², three bays wide and two bays deep.
- Features stone-paved corridors and flooring finished with French tiles.
- Left Watchtower (左碉楼)
- A single-eave building with a four-slope tiled roof.
- Area: 96.86 m², with shooting holes on the north, east, and south walls.
Cultural Activities
Notable artwork related to the shop includes “Review and Prospect—Material Cultural Heritage of Gejiu Baofenglong Shop” by artist Yin Xiaoyong (尹小勇), which is a copperplate print measuring 51×70 cm.
Protection Measures
On May 3, 2013, Baofenglong Shop was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council, highlighting its significance in Chinese heritage.
Research Value
As a vital historical site, Baofenglong Shop serves as an important resource for studying the tin industry and culture in China, particularly during the Republic of China era. It is one of the best-preserved smelting sites in Yunnan and provides invaluable insights into the local economy and industrial practices.
How to Get There
Baofenglong Shop is located approximately 6.1 kilometers from the Gejiu City People’s Government. It takes about 10 minutes by car. Taxis and local transport options are available for visitors.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.
- Guided Tours: Check for guided tour options that provide in-depth historical context and access to areas not typically open to the public.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and historical details.
- Accessibility: Some areas may have uneven ground, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Local Cuisine: Consider exploring local dining options nearby for a taste of Yunnan’s diverse culinary offerings.
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