Former Residence of Chu Tunan in Wenshan City
Overview
The Former Residence of Chu Tunan (楚图南故居) is located at No. 11 Shangtiao Street, Wenshan City (文山市上条街11号), within the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is a specialized museum dedicated to the life and works of Chu Tunan (楚图南), a prominent figure in Chinese social sciences. Covering an area of 480.32 square meters, the site was established to commemorate Chu Tunan’s life and contributions.
Key Information
- Name: Former Residence of Chu Tunan (楚图南故居)
- Location: No. 11 Shangtiao Street, Wenshan City (云南省文山壮族苗族自治州文山市上条街11号)
- Type: Social Science-themed museum
- Opening Hours: Morning: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM; Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Open year-round)
- Admission: Free
- Established: January 10, 2006
- Building Area: 480.32 m²
Historical Background
The former residence of Chu Tunan was originally constructed during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (清道光年间). On April 25, 2005, the local government undertook a restoration project, transforming it into a museum. The official establishment of the site took place on January 10, 2006, with further improvements carried out in November 2009. The surrounding area was developed into Chu Tunan Cultural Street (楚图南文化街) and Chu Tunan Cultural Square (楚图南文化广场), integrating his legacy into the local urban fabric.
Layout and Exhibits
Museum Layout
The residence is a two-story traditional courtyard building (四合院), with the main structure facing south. The first floor houses an audio-visual room, as well as exhibits showcasing various production and living tools used by Chu Tunan. There is also a small vegetable garden. The second floor features a temporary exhibition hall, which primarily displays the “Life of Chu Tunan” Exhibition (楚图南生平展). This floor also contains historical artifacts, including Chu’s personal notes, daily items, and a calligraphy hall.
Main Exhibits
The Life of Chu Tunan Exhibition
The core exhibition, titled “The Life of Chu Tunan”, covers an area of 160 square meters and is divided into three main sections:
- Life Exhibition Hall (楚图南生平展厅)
- Artifacts Exhibition Hall (实物展厅)
- Calligraphy Exhibition Hall (书法展厅)
The exhibition presents a collection of photos, documents, and personal artifacts, vividly portraying Chu Tunan’s illustrious life and accomplishments. Visitors can appreciate his role as a scholar, educator, and politician through the display of his writings, historical documents, and personal effects.
Architectural Features
The Chu Tunan Former Residence is a typical example of Qing Dynasty residential architecture (清代民居建筑风格). The building features a hard-gable roof (硬山顶) and post-and-beam timber construction (穿斗式土木结构). The courtyard is enclosed by a high wall with an intricately designed main gate (带暗销的大门), which separates it from the busy street outside. The residence maintains a simple yet elegant aesthetic, using materials such as earth, wood, tiles, and lime in natural tones, with minimal decorative elements.
Notable Artifacts
The museum’s collection of over 100 artifacts (截至2012年12月，故居藏品共计100件) includes items donated to the museum and is protected under a surveillance and management system.
Honors and Recognition
The Former Residence of Chu Tunan has been recognized as a Provincial Patriotic Education Base (云南省省级爱国主义教育基地), acknowledging its importance as a cultural and historical site.
Chu Tunan: A Life of Scholarship and Service
Biography of Chu Tunan
Chu Tunan (1899—1994) was born in Wenshan County (文山县), Yunnan Province. He pursued higher education at Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) and later became a professor at institutions such as Jinan University, Yunnan University, and the Shanghai Law College. During his career, he held numerous prominent positions, including Chairman of the Foreign Cultural Association, Acting Chairman of the Democratic League, and Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
Chu was not only an influential political figure but also a distinguished writer, translator, and calligrapher. His works include essays, poetry, and translations of foreign literature, such as Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” (《草叶集选》) and Nekrasov’s long poem “Who is Happy in Russia?” (《在俄罗斯谁能快乐自由》).
Chu’s calligraphy, highly regarded for its elegance and classical style, was deeply inspired by traditional aesthetics, embodying a moral philosophy in both form and content. His famous verse, “First comes strength and grace, only then does the ink carry fragrance” (先有风骨俊，始能翰墨香), reflects his belief in the importance of character and integrity in art.
Publications and Literary Contributions
- “Essays on Battle Drums” (《刁斗集》)
- “Essays on Warfare” (《荷戈集》)
- Translations: Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”, Wilbur’s “Greek Myths and Legends”, Nekrasov’s “Who is Happy in Russia?”
Institutional Setup and Services
The Chu Tunan Former Residence operates as a state-owned institution, funded by government allocations. It employs a small staff of five people (two male, three female) and provides guided tours to visitors. The site receives an average of 21,034 visitors annually.
Visitor Information
Location
The Former Residence of Chu Tunan is located at:
- No. 11 Shangtiao Street, Wenshan City (文山市上条街11号)
- Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省文山壮族苗族自治州)
Opening Hours
- Morning: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Open year-round
Admission
- Free entry
How to Get There
From the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Government, take Hualong North Road (华龙北路), then follow Phoenix Road (凤凰路), continue on Wenxin Road (文新路), and proceed via Puyang West Road (普阳西路) and Kaifa Middle Road (开化中路) to reach the residence.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during the morning to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore the exhibitions.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with nearby cultural sites like the Wenshan Cultural Square or Phoenix Park for a deeper experience of Wenshan’s history.
- Language Support: English guides may not be available, so it’s recommended to have a translation app or guidebook handy.
