Huang Yanpei's former residence

Introducing Huang Yanpei's Former Residence

Nei Shi Di (Huang Yanpei's former residence) is located at 218 Xinchuan Road, Chuansha Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Formerly known as Nei Shi Di on Wangqian Street in Chuansha Hall, Jiangsu Province, it was the residence of Shen Shuyong, a juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examination) and Cabinet Secretary in 1859. Huang Yanpei's former residence is located in the third inner building. It covers an area of ​​306 square meters, with a floor area of ​​480 square meters. It faces south and features a two-story brick and wood courtyard. In June 1992, it was designated a Shanghai Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Site. In January 2003, it was designated a "Shanghai Patriotism Education Base" by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

Neishi House (Huang Yanpei's former residence) is a two-story brick-and-wood structure with an antique charm. Its whitewashed walls and black tiles are decorated with carved beams and painted rafters. The main entrance features a classically elegant ceremonial gate with soaring eaves and curved walls. The front is adorned with brick carvings depicting "Phoenix Playing with Peonies." The front gatehouse is inscribed with the words "Hua Tang Yingri" (a magnificent hall reflecting the sun); the back bears the majestic and imposing inscription of "Virtue and Spring and Autumn." The door lintels are decorated with phoenix and peony motifs. Below, a stone carving of a coiled dragon adorns the foundation stone. The entire building embodies the typical Huinan town style. The courtyard within the building is divided into three courtyards by two longitudinal dividing walls. The south-facing main house has seven rooms, with two east and west wing rooms each. The upstairs floor shares the same layout as the downstairs. Huang Yanpei, driven by his diligence in study, achieved first place in the provincial examination at the age of 22. That same year, he married Ms. Wang Jiusi in a room on the east side of the second floor of Neishi House. The room now displays an old wooden bed, a coarse cloth basket quilt, a dressing table, and a wooden chair, all in their original state.

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical monsoon climate is breathtaking. The residence houses an exhibition on Huang Yanpei's life and deeds, along with books on him and over a hundred letters exchanged between him and Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, and others. The residence also displays his original living quarters. Huang Yanpei's residence is a Shanghai Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Site and is a great place to visit in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Ceremonial gate, south-facing main room, east and west wing rooms;

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open Tuesday to Sunday (Closed Monday)

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

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Most Popular FAQs for Huang Yanpei's former residence

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

Huang Yanpei was a renowned Chinese educator, architect, and politician. His former residence in Shanghai is a testament to his influence in modern China, particularly in the fields of education and architecture. The residence has been preserved as a historical site, showcasing the life and works of this important figure.

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

The residence is located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai. You can reach it via Metro Line 1 or Line 4, stopping at Xujiahui Station, and then taking a short walk. Taxis and buses are also convenient options.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The residence is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, except on national holidays. It's less crowded during weekdays in the morning.

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

The entrance fee is typically around ¥20-¥30. Tickets can be purchased at the venue, but some events may offer online booking options.

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

Booking tickets in advance is not generally required unless there is a special event. It’s best to book a day or two ahead for special exhibitions.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It will take about 1-2 hours to fully explore the residence and its exhibits, depending on your interest in history and architecture.

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

• The main hall of the residence, showcasing Huang Yanpei’s personal belongings and artifacts.
• Exhibits that detail his career and achievements in education and architecture.
• The architectural features of the house itself, which reflect his design sensibilities.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes in English. Audio guides are available in Mandarin, with limited availability in English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The front of the house offers a great view of the historical architecture.
• Inside, the rooms with period furniture and artifacts provide good photography opportunities.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start with the main exhibition hall to get an overview of Huang Yanpei’s life.
• Proceed to the preserved rooms to see personal artifacts and architectural details.
• Finish with a visit to the surrounding gardens for a more relaxed experience.

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

Night visits and light shows are not typically available, but special guided tours are offered occasionally for deeper insights into Huang Yanpei’s life and work.

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

It tends to be less crowded during weekdays, especially in the mornings. Weekends and holidays may see more visitors.

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

The residence offers basic facilities like clean toilets, water stations, and some small rest areas. There are no major food or shopping areas inside, but nearby streets offer local eateries and shops.

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

The residence is accessible for elderly and children, but the older architecture may have some stairs. It's not entirely wheelchair-friendly, but assistance can be requested.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted for tickets and purchases. Cash is generally not needed.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Nearby, you can find a variety of local Shanghai restaurants offering Chinese cuisine.
• Small cafes offering refreshments and snacks are within walking distance of the residence.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited in the immediate area.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai is a nearby luxury option.
• Budget options like Ibis Shanghai Xujiahui are within a short walking distance.

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

• The Xujiahui area is nearby, with its shopping malls and historical sites like the St. Ignatius Cathedral.
• The Shanghai Museum and People’s Square are also within a short distance by metro.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no souvenir shops at the residence, but you can find souvenirs related to Huang Yanpei’s legacy in nearby stores. Typical Shanghai-themed souvenirs like tea sets and silk products are available nearby.

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

The best option is to take Metro Line 1 from Xujiahui Station for easy access to other areas of the city. Taxis and buses are also available for onward travel.