China Famous Person's Former Residence Study Center (Qingdao Volume)

Author: China Pictorial Publishing House
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
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This series of books has three distinctive features: , it is the first time in the Chinese publishing industry to conduct a panoramic scan, organize, and document the cultural landscape of "famous person's former residence." This series selects ten cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Xiamen, Kunming, and Shaoxing, covering all directions and representing historical and cultural cities, each holding a special position and significance in modern Chinese history. These cities are also where famous person's former residences are most concentrated and relatively well-preserved. Some of these cities have previously published books on famous person's former residences, but they are unrelated and primarily local gazetteers. In contrast, the completeness and coherence of this series are truly unique. The political, economic, cultural heritage, and urban temperament of these ten cities are distinctly individual, with the groups of famous figures they gather and absorb each having unique characteristics, making their former residences diverse in appearance.
Beijing, the capital for 700 years, naturally attracts famous figures from all over the world, most of whom live in the small and large hutongs of the city. These hutongs and siheyuan are no longer ordinary residential buildings but form a vast cultural "web," filled with an ethereal cultural atmosphere that allows one to instantly forget the noise and chaos of the streets. Shanghai is a microcosm and symbol of modernization and modernization in China. Its famous person's former residences are far more than the "love nests" of compradors and famous women, with deeper and more substantial connotations. Guangzhou, a city at the forefront of reforms since modern times, continuously sends new ideas and figures (whether reformists or revolutionaries) inland and northward. Nanjing is both a traditional cultural hub and the capital of the Republic of China; Hangzhou has become a relatively pure southern cultural center due to its beautiful mountains and clear waters and comfortable living; Shaoxing is where many influential figures across the country spent their childhood; Qingdao and Xiamen, two beautiful coastal cities, have attracted numerous cultural figures due to unique circumstances, making them "temporary refuge" cities. Xiamen also has a strong Minnan local flavor; Kunming comforted famous figures during the turbulent years of the War of Resistance against Japan and also earned itself a valuable cultural heritage. Tianjin, however, is special—most of the famous figures who settled here are often seen as "villains." The arenas of power and career struggles are usually in Beijing, while Tianjin serves as their "backstage," where they manipulate behind the scenes, waiting for a comeback or simply surviving. This has given rise to a unique "retired official" culture.
The second feature is the ideological depth, personal experience, and interest of the series. The famous figures selected in the series are primarily from the late Qing Dynasty to modern times, spanning politics, economics, and military fields, with a particular focus on figures in the field of thought and culture. The authors are over a dozen doctoral and master's students from renowned universities such as Fudan University, Nanjing University, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Xiamen University, Yunnan University, Hebei University, and Qingdao University. As modern youth passionate about Chinese history and culture, they personally visit and research the former residences of famous figures in their respective cities. This is not just a simple tour but a deep "cultural" reflection. The former residences in this series are not simply listed by street addresses but are explained and categorized according to the identity, personality, and temperament of the famous figures, with a structurally innovative approach. The content includes descriptions of the current state of the former residences, introductions to the lives of the famous figures, their achievements or legends during their time of residence, and their reflections and critiques on history. For great figures or masters, the series not only commemorates their achievements, spirit, and demeanor but also attempts to engage in an equal dialogue with their souls, exploring the ordinary aspects of their lives. For what are considered "villains," the series avoids hasty judgments of right or wrong and instead reflects on their fate and role within the historical context. For some figures overlooked by official history, the series strives to present a more authentic and diverse historical perspective.
Due to the involvement of ten cities, a surprising result has emerged: some of the most influential figures have left former residences in several of these cities. Although they are described separately, linking the entire series together clearly traces the trajectory of their lives. For example, Lu Xun was born in Shaoxing, gained fame in Beijing, stayed temporarily in Xiamen, had a "" in Guangzhou, and spent his final years in Shanghai. Almost all the old houses he lived in are featured in the series, offering a unique perspective to create a special "biography" of this cultural giant, which holds great significance. Figures like Soong Ching-ling, Cai Yuanpei, Kang Youwei, and Li Shu also share similar stories. This should also be a shining point of the series.
The third feature is the invaluable historical materials and certain practicality. Most of the former residences mentioned in the series are not open to the public. The more than 2,000 photographs taken on-site provide a substantial record. Therefore, the series is not only a faithful chronicler but also an advocate for raising awareness and protecting cultural heritage. While this series is a book on human geography rather than a travel guide, it still includes detailed "tips" and distribution maps of former residences in each city, offering assistance to those interested in and fond of famous person's former residences.
The ten books of "China Famous Person's Former Residence Study Collection" are a grand cultural project. They are not an end but a good beginning. These ten cities cannot yet be said to encompass all of China's famous person's former residences. In cities like Fuzhou, Suzhou, Wuhan, Chongqing, and Changsha, equally fascinating cultural landscapes still await discovery and recognition.
Additionally, the series includes:
- "China Famous Person's Former Residence Study Collection (Beijing Volume): Mysterious Hutong Atmosphere"
- "China Famous Person's Former Residence Study Collection (Shanghai Volume): Behind the Neon Lights"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Guangzhou Volume): Warm Breeze from the South"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Tianjin Volume): Lonely Backstage"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Nanjing Volume): Jianglin in Decline"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Hangzhou Volume): Lucky Lakes and Mountains"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Kunming Volume): Peach Blossom Paradise Remains"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Xiamen Volume): Melody and Waves"
- "China Famous's Former Residence Study Collection (Shaoxing Volume): Crazy and Unrestrained Qingteng"