Former Residence of Pu Zaiting in Xuanwei City, Qujing
The Former Residence of Pu Zaiting (浦在廷故居) is the home of Pu Zaiting (浦在廷), a modern Chinese national industrialist and general, and it is also the birthplace of Zhuolin (卓琳), the wife of Deng Xiaoping (邓小平). Zhuolin grew up here. The residence is located at 27 Xichengxia Street (西城下街), Xuanwei City (宣威市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Built in the early years of the Republic of China (民国), it is a one-story courtyard house with a corridor layout. After its restoration in 1994, the west hall was converted into an exhibition hall for showcasing the life and contributions of Pu Zaiting. The residence has been designated as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit and is one of the 100 patriotic education bases in the province.
History of the Residence
The Former Residence of Pu Zaiting was constructed in the early years of the Republic of China. Following its restoration in 1994, the west hall was designated as an exhibition area. On December 16, 1998, the Yunnan Provincial Government recognized it as one of the 100 patriotic education bases in the province. On December 22, 1998, it was listed as a fifth batch provincial key cultural relic protection unit.
Geographic Location
The residence is situated in the bustling area of Xuanwei City, which is in the northeast part of Yunnan Province and is administered by Qujing City (曲靖市). The coordinates are between 103°35′–104°40′E and 25°53′–26°44′N. It borders Pan County (盘县) to the east, Zhenyi County (沾益县) to the south, Huize County (会泽县) across the Niulan River (牛栏江) to the west, and Weining County (威宁县) in Guizhou Province (贵州省) to the north. It is approximately 260 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kunming (昆明).
Residence Features
The residence is a one-story courtyard house with a corridor layout, measuring 100 meters in length and 15 meters in width, covering an area of 1,500 square meters. It features a traditional Han-style residential layout with distinct characteristics from both southern and northern Chinese architecture. The residence includes main buildings on the east and west, side rooms to the north and south, and a Buddhist hall. At the center of the courtyard stands a bronze statue of Pu Zaiting, with a plaque inscribed with “戳力同心” (“Unite in Strength”) written by Sun Yat-sen (孙中山).
Upon entering the residence, visitors find a courtyard-style layout typical of southern Han residences. The courtyard is lush with trees and blooming flowers, and a notable bronze statue of Pu Zaiting holding a scroll is prominently displayed. Pu Zaiting and his three sons and four daughters grew up in this courtyard.
The building is oriented southward, with wooden structures that feature red columns, imparting a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The intricately carved yellow window frames add a touch of elegance.
In the north section of the residence, there is a Buddhist hall where Pu Zaiting’s family practiced their faith. Next to it is a small side room that served as Zhuolin’s (卓琳) bedroom before she went to Beijing (北京) for her studies. The room is simply decorated, with an antique wooden bed occupying most of the space. From the window, one can view the courtyard. The guest room is adorned with photographs and artworks of Zhuolin and her family, providing insights into her upbringing. Zhuolin attended Beijing No. 1 Women’s High School (北平第一女子中学) in 1932 and later enrolled in the physics department at Peking University (北京大学).
Exhibitions
The residence features the “Exhibition on the Life and Achievements of Mr. Pu Zaiting,” which presents extensive materials and photographs detailing his dedication to the development of local ethnic industries. In the exhibition hall, alongside biographical information about Pu Zaiting, visitors can find inscriptions from prominent figures such as Sun Yat-sen and precious photographs of Deng Xiaoping and his wife Zhuolin (originally named Pu Qiongying, 浦琼英) at different periods, offering significant historical value for the study of early revolutionary struggles and the development of local industries.
Pu Zaiting’s hard work led to the establishment of a ham processing factory, producing canned ham. In 1923, his canned ham received acclaim at a specialty product competition in Guangzhou (广州). Sun Yat-sen praised it highly, awarding him a beautiful medal and inscribing “饮和食德” (“Eat with Harmony and Morality”) for the “Pu Zaiting Brothers Canned Food Company” to commend his virtuous business practices. Pu Zaiting regarded this inscription as a treasured possession, framing it and displaying it prominently at the entrance as his motto for the development of local industries. With Sun Yat-sen’s endorsement, Xuanwei ham gained international fame and was exported worldwide.
The inscription “饮和食德” has four characters, each missing a stroke intentionally placed by Sun Yat-sen to convey a profound message with deep implications. He used a technique to create missing strokes in “饮和食德” while adding strokes to the character “在” in “Pu Zaiting Brothers Canned Food Company” and modifying the character “廷.” These subtle hints have sparked much contemplation and debate, leaving endless room for imagination.
Notable Figures
Biography of Pu Zaiting
Pu Zaiting (浦在廷, 1871–1950) was a native of Xuanwei, Yunnan. He contributed to the development of local ethnic industries and the Chinese revolution, and he was the father-in-law of the great leader Deng Xiaoping. In 1916, he supported the National Protection Movement, receiving a silver plum blossom medal for his efforts, along with a personal inscription of “急公好义” (“Quick to Serve the Public and Uphold Righteousness”). In 1917, he participated in the Constitutional Protection War initiated by Sun Yat-sen, joining the troops in Guangdong (广东). He financially supported the establishment of the Whampoa Military Academy (黄埔军校). Due to his contributions during the Northern Expedition, he was recognized by Sun Yat-sen, whose handwritten accolades hang in the residence today. In 1918, he founded the “Pu Zaiting Brothers Canned Food Company,” bringing Xuanwei ham to international markets. In 1922, he followed the Yunnan army to Guangzhou, supporting Sun Yat-sen’s national revolution. Returning to Xuanwei in 1925, Pu Zaiting continued his work in canned ham production and actively participated in charitable endeavors, including donating to build bridges and participating in road construction projects. He also constructed a bell and drum tower, a gazebo, and a pagoda at Dongshan Temple (东山寺). Twice, he brought rice from Vietnam (越南) to relieve famine victims. Pu Zaiting passed away at home in 1950 at the age of 80.
Biography of Zhuolin
Zhuolin (卓琳, April 6, 1916 – July 29, 2009), originally named Pu Qiongying (浦琼英), was the daughter of Pu Zaiting. In July 1937, she arrived in Yan’an (延安). In August 1939, she met Deng Xiaoping and married him the same month. On June 30, 1997, she participated in the Chinese government delegation’s arrival in Hong Kong, attending the handover ceremony, fulfilling Deng Xiaoping’s wish to visit Hong Kong during his lifetime. In 1988, she was awarded the Honorary Medal for Outstanding Contribution from the People’s Liberation Army (人民解放军). Zhuolin passed away in Beijing on July 29, 2009, at the age of 93 and was cremated at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery (八宝山革命公墓) on August 10 of the same year.
Visiting Information
Address: 27 Xichengxia Street (西城下堡街), Xuanwei City (宣威市), Yunnan Province (云南省).
How to Get There: Take bus number 3 from Xuanwei Railway Station (宣威火车站) and get off at Xiaoximen (小西门).
Travel Tips
- Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Take your time to explore the exhibitions for a deeper understanding of Pu Zaiting’s contributions.
- Be respectful when visiting religious areas within the residence.
- Consider learning some basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience.
