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Cao Kun, courtesy name Zhongshan, was a native of Tianjin and born in 1862. He was the last president of the Beiyang government. The Cao Kun Former Residence was the private garden of Cao Kun, leader of the Zhili clique of the Beiyang warlords. He also had three other residences in Tianjin. This fusion of Chinese and Western elements combines the exquisite elegance of traditional Chinese architecture with the style of Western villas.
Cao Kun (1862-1938), courtesy name Zhongshan, was a native of Tianjin. He graduated from the Tianjin Military Academy and served as commander of the 3rd Division of the Beiyang Army and governor of Zhili. During the Second Zhili-Fengtian War of 1924, Feng Yuxiang, commander-in-chief of the 3rd Army of the Zhili clique, returned to Beijing from the Rehe front while the two armies were engaged in battle. He launched a coup, imprisoned Cao Kun in the Yanqing Building of Zhongnanhai, and issued a telegram to the entire nation, advocating for an end to the war and peace talks. On November 2, Cao Kun was forced to resign. After 1927, he lived in Tianjin for a long time.
After the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, he refused Japan's request to organize a new government. Because he maintained his national integrity, he was posthumously awarded the rank of Army General in December 1939.
The climate is temperate semi-humid continental monsoon; the entire building of Cao Kun's former residence is magnificent and well preserved, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours
free
Currently not open to the public
The Former Residence of Cao Kun is a historical landmark that once served as the home of Cao Kun, a Chinese warlord and politician who became the President of the Republic of China. The house offers insight into early Republican China and the complex political landscape of the time.
The Former Residence of Cao Kun is located in the Nankai District of Tianjin. It is easily accessible by taxi or public bus, and the nearest metro station is about a 20-minute walk away.
The residence is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is less crowded on weekdays and early mornings, making these the best times for a visit.
The entrance fee is typically around ¥30 for adults. Tickets can be purchased onsite, but it's recommended to check for any online options before visiting.
Tickets do not need to be booked in advance, but for special events or holidays, it’s advisable to check availability online.
Visiting the residence and exploring the exhibits typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides may be offered in both Chinese and English to enrich your experience of the residence.
Start by exploring the garden and courtyard, then proceed to the main house to view the exhibits about Cao Kun's life. Take your time in the various rooms, each presenting a different aspect of early 20th-century Chinese history.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available. However, special events or temporary exhibitions may occur; it’s best to check in advance.
The residence can get crowded on weekends or holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and early afternoons.
The site has basic amenities, including clean toilets and rest areas. There is a small shop selling souvenirs, but there are no food or drink services inside the residence itself.
The residence is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, although the historical building may have some limited mobility areas due to its age. Children may find the exhibits interesting and educational.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. However, it’s recommended to carry cash for smaller transactions, especially in local shops.
Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Chinese cuisine. There are also small local cafés where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee after your visit.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants, and some places may offer halal food depending on the area.
There are several hotels near the site, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some of the nearby hotels include Tianjin Sheraton Hotel and Holiday Inn Tianjin Riverside.
The souvenir shop inside the residence offers traditional Chinese crafts, such as small paintings, postcards, and books about Cao Kun's life and Chinese history.
You can take a taxi, public bus, or metro to continue exploring Tianjin. The city's metro system is convenient for reaching other major attractions.
