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Visitors to Sun Chuanfang's former residence can explore the historical building and learn about Sun Chuanfang's life and influence during the early 20th century. The house is a great spot for history enthusiasts, with many preserved artifacts and exhibitions showcasing his contributions to the military and politics.
Sun Chuanfang (1885-1935) was a native of Licheng, Shandong Province. During the Beiyang period, he served as the commander of the Second Army Division, commander-in-chief of the Upper Yangtze River Security Force, Inspector General of Zhejiang and Fujian, Director of Military Affairs of Zhejiang, and commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Fujian Provinces.
The Sun Family Residence is a two-story brick and wood structure. It covers an area of 3,700 square meters, with a total construction area of 2,628 square meters. It consists of a main building and an auxiliary building. The entrance is a stone staircase with four Ionic columns. The gently sloping roof, with windows of various shapes and a decorative pavilion in the middle of the roof, embodies a simple and elegant European eclectic architectural style.
Temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate; the former residence is the most luxurious one among Sun Chuanfang's several residences in Tianjin, and it is suitable for travel in all seasons.
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The former residence is now the Municipal Family Planning Commission and tourists can only visit it from the outside.
Sun Chuanfang's former residence is historically significant as it belonged to a prominent military and political figure in the early 20th century, Sun Chuanfang. He played a critical role during the Republican era and was known for his military prowess. The residence reflects the period's architectural style and offers insight into his life and the era's political landscape.
Sun Chuanfang's former residence is located in the Nankai District of Tianjin. You can reach the site by taking the Tianjin Metro, Line 1, to the Xiaobailou Station, then walking for about 10 minutes. Taxis are also a convenient option from various parts of the city.
The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, especially in the morning when the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee for Sun Chuanfang's former residence is 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance at the official website or through local ticketing platforms.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid long lines. Booking a few days ahead is sufficient.
A visit to the former residence typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the exhibits and reading the informative displays.
The must-see highlights include the preserved rooms, the historical artifacts, and the exhibitions detailing Sun Chuanfang's life and legacy. The architecture of the residence itself is a key highlight, representing the style of the early 20th century.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are offered in both Mandarin and English for visitors who prefer a more in-depth experience.
The best photography spots are the exterior of the residence, the courtyard, and the main hall. The architecture and surroundings provide a great backdrop for photos that capture the essence of early 20th-century design.
Start by exploring the entrance hall, then move on to the rooms displaying historical artifacts. The final section features exhibitions about Sun Chuanfang's life. It’s best to take a leisurely walk through the residence and read the explanations provided at each section.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Sun Chuanfang's former residence. The site is a daytime attraction with a focus on historical exhibitions.
The residence can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning when it first opens.
The site provides basic facilities such as public toilets and rest areas. There is no food or drink sold on-site, so visitors may want to bring their own refreshments or visit nearby cafes after the tour.
The residence is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps available for easier access. However, some areas inside may have narrow passages that could be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at the entrance. Credit cards may not be widely accepted inside the venue, so it's advisable to carry some cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes nearby, offering Chinese cuisine and light snacks. For a wider variety, visitors can head to the Tianjin city center where more options are available.
Some local restaurants nearby offer vegetarian and vegan options, though halal food may be limited in the immediate vicinity. It's best to ask at the restaurants for specific dietary preferences.
Hotels such as the Ibis Tianjin and Tianjin Ritz-Carlton are located within a short distance from Sun Chuanfang's former residence, providing convenient accommodation options for visitors.
Nearby attractions include the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, the Tianjin Eye, and the Tianjin Museum, all of which are easily accessible and can be combined into a full day trip.
There are no souvenir shops inside the residence, but visitors can find shops in the nearby areas selling local crafts, historical replicas, and Tianjin-themed items.
After visiting, you can take a taxi, use the local bus system, or take the Tianjin Metro to continue your trip. The metro and taxi options are the most convenient for exploring other parts of the city.
