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Yuan Shikai's former residence is located in Yuanzhai Village, Wangmingkou Township, 17 kilometers southeast of Xiangcheng City, Zhoukou City, Henan Province . The residence covers 270 mu (approximately 16 acres) and features 248 buildings in traditional Ming and Qing dynasty styles . Surrounding the residence is an 1,800- meter-long, over 10- meter-high wall, six watchtowers, and three moats.
The old residence is laid out along three axes: central, east, and west. It comprises three levels of courtyards, each connected by winding paths, forming a complete and unique architectural complex. Constructed from traditional bricks, tiles, wood, and lime, the complex reflects the architectural characteristics of ancient China.
The roof ridges of the houses are decorated with brick carvings of lions, tigers, leopards, horses, monkeys, etc. The eaves on the four corners are towering, decorated with dragon patterns and animal spikes pointing straight to the sky, which is magnificent.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
30 yuan/person
8:30-18:00, ticket sales will stop at 17:30
Yuan Shikai’s Former Residence in Xiangcheng, Zhoukou, Henan, was built during the late Qing Dynasty. It served as the home of Yuan Shikai, who was the first formal president of the Republic of China. The residence reflects traditional Chinese architectural design and is significant for its political and cultural heritage.
Located in Zhangde Town, Xiangcheng City, Zhoukou, Henan Province. You can take a bus or taxi from Xiangcheng Railway Station (around 15 minutes). Taxis are the most convenient option for visitors.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to mild weather.
Entrance is typically free or has a small fee (around ¥10–¥20). Tickets can be purchased on-site.
No advance booking is required; same-day visits are fine except on major holidays.
About 1–1.5 hours is enough to tour the entire residence and exhibition areas.
Chinese-language guides are available on-site; English guidance is limited.
The central courtyard, old pavilions, and traditional roofs are great for photography.
Start at the main gate → ancestral hall → residential area → exhibition rooms → garden → exit through the rear courtyard.
No night tours or light shows are offered; visits are limited to daytime hours.
Generally quiet on weekdays. Avoid major holidays like National Day for fewer crowds.
Public restrooms and shaded rest areas are available; small snack vendors can be found nearby.
Mostly accessible for elderly and children. Some uneven stone paths may challenge wheelchair users.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted; cash also works for small purchases.
Vegetarian options such as stir-fried vegetables and noodles are common; halal food is limited.
Small shops sell postcards, cultural books, and local handicrafts themed around Yuan Shikai and Henan culture.
Take a taxi or bus back to Xiangcheng Railway Station for trains to Zhoukou, Zhengzhou, or Kaifeng.
