Chen Bulei's Former Residence

Introducing Chen Bulei's Former Residence

Chen Bulei's former residence is located at No. 6 Yihe Road, Gulou District, Nanjing. Chen Bulei and his family rented the apartment there before the Anti-Japanese War. It was built in 1936 by Xu Tinghu, Director of the Agricultural Department of the Ministry of Industry. Covering 989.01 square meters, it features a nine-room, three-story Western-style garden house, a two-story, two-room Western-style villa, five brick-and-wood Western-style bungalows, and one old-style bungalow.

Chen Bulei (1890-1948) was a native of Cixi, Zhejiang Province, China. His original name was Chen Xun'en, and his pen name was Weilei, with his courtesy name Yanji. He graduated from Zhejiang College in 1911. That same year, he worked as a reporter for the Shanghai Tianduo Newspaper. He joined the Tongmenghui in March 1912. From 1912 to 1920, he taught at Ningbo Middle School and Ningbo Normal School in Zhejiang Province. In 1920, he moved to Shanghai and became editor-in-chief of the Shang Bao. He joined the Communist Party in 1927. He served as Secretary-General of the Zhejiang Provincial Government, Provincial Government Member and Minister of Education, Secretary-General of the Communist Party Central Committee, and Editor-in-Chief of the Shishi Xinbao. He also served as Deputy Minister of Education of the Nationalist Government and Deputy Minister of the Central Propaganda Department of the Communist Party. After 1935, he served as Director of the Second Department of Chiang Kai-shek's Secretariat, Deputy Secretary-General of the Central Political Conference of the Communist Party, Deputy Secretary-General of the Nationalist Government Military Commission, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Defense Council, drafting documents for Chiang Kai-shek for a long time. He committed suicide in Nanjing on November 12, 1948.

Chen Burei was Chiang Kai-shek's "leader's advisor" and "president's brain trust," known as Chiang Kai-shek's "first pen." He is a highly regarded and controversial figure in modern Chinese history. A cautious and well-versed official, Chen Burei was always respectful to Chiang Kai-shek and his colleagues, never overbearing. As Chiang Kai-shek's "official" pen, he was honest and self-disciplined, refraining from forming cliques or collusion, demonstrating the qualities of a "virtuous minister," earning Chiang Kai-shek's acclaim as a "perfect man."

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon climate, Chen Bulei's former residence is located in the 12th block of Yihe Road in Nanjing, close to Beijing West Road. Beijing West Road also has a beautiful Wutong Avenue, especially in spring when the sky is full of green, and in summer when it is cool. The Republican-era buildings and former residences of celebrities in the area allow you to feel the history, making it a suitable place for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Chen Bulei's former residence consists of a 9-room three-story Western-style garden building, a 2-story Western-style villa, 5 brick-and-wood Western-style bungalows and an old-style bungalow.

It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.

Tickets

5 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Chen Bulei's Former Residence

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Chen Bulei’s Former Residence is a well-preserved historical site in Nanjing, honoring the life of Chen Bulei, a prominent figure in the region’s modern history. It reflects the traditional architectural style and provides insights into the intellectual and cultural movements of the time.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The residence is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu. It can be reached by taking a taxi or private car. Alternatively, take a metro line to the nearest station and walk for about 10-15 minutes.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The site is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are weekdays in the early morning, especially to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local ticketing websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not required but recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. A day or two in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes 1-1.5 hours to explore the residence and its exhibits, including the garden and personal artifacts.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Key highlights include the traditional architecture of the house, personal artifacts of Chen Bulei, and the beautiful garden surrounding the residence. Don’t miss the exhibition on the intellectual and cultural movements that influenced his life.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides in English and Chinese are provided for self-guided visits.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Best photography spots include the residence’s exterior, with its traditional courtyard and garden, as well as inside the house near significant historical artifacts and paintings.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the main rooms of the residence, including the study and living areas. Then, move on to the garden and take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Finish by visiting the small exhibition halls displaying historical context.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no night visits, light shows, or special tours offered at the residence.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The residence can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning or early afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The residence provides clean restrooms, a small café offering refreshments, and a shop with local souvenirs. There are also rest areas in the garden for relaxation.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts. It is suitable for children and elderly visitors, although some parts of the garden may require walking on uneven terrain.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, as well as credit cards. Cash is still accepted but not commonly used.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There is a café inside the residence. Nearby, there are numerous restaurants offering traditional Jiangsu cuisine, such as Nanjing salted duck and other local dishes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at some nearby restaurants, with many offering plant-based dishes. Halal food options can be found at select spots in the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near the residence, including mid-range options and luxury accommodations like the Nanjing Yangtze River Hotel and Sofitel Nanjing Galaxy Hotel.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Museum. These can be easily combined for a full day of sightseeing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There is a small souvenir shop at the residence selling traditional Chinese crafts, local art, and books related to Chen Bulei’s life and legacy.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can take a taxi or use public transport like the metro or bus to continue exploring Nanjing. The Nanjing Railway Station is easily accessible from the site for further travel.