Former Residence of Cun Zunfu in Tengchong County, Baoshan

Chinese Name:腾冲市寸尊福故居
English Name: Former Residence of Cun Zunfu in Tengchong County, Baoshan

The Former Residence of Cun Zunfu (寸尊福故居), located in the beautiful Heshun Ancient Town (和顺古镇), Tengchong City (腾冲市), Baoshan Prefecture (保山市), is a historic Siheyuan (四合院) – a traditional Chinese courtyard house. Built using high-quality catalpa wood, this residence has withstood more than a century of weathering while maintaining its original structure. It was the home of Cun Zunfu (寸尊福), a notable jade magnate and revolutionary figure during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.

Cun Zunfu (1855-1929) was not only a leading figure in the jade trade but also a key supporter of revolutionary movements and a respected educator. His contributions to China's political and economic reforms earned him the title of "Chinese Jade King."

Key Features

Architectural Style

The residence follows the classic Heshun Siheyuan design, constructed with hundred-year-old catalpa wood.

The second floor retains imported iron windows from the UK, showcasing a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

The total area of the residence is approximately 400 square meters, and it remains 90% intact.

Historical Value

The building was the original site of the Fushenglong (福盛隆) jade business, which played a key role during the golden age of jade trade in the region.

This is the only preserved residence of the "Jade King" in China, making it a significant cultural landmark.

The Legendary Life of Cun Zunfu

Cun Zunfu's Background

Born in 1855 in Huangguoshu Village (黄果树村), Heshun Town (和顺镇), Tengchong, Cun Zunfu rose from humble beginnings and became a major force in the jade industry.

He was a passionate revolutionary who supported the Guangzhou Huanghuagang Uprising and Tengyue Uprising by providing significant financial backing, earning admiration from Sun Yat-sen (孙中山), the founding father of modern China.

Cun Zunfu is also known as a patriot who was dedicated to the cause of women’s rights and the liberation of women. He founded one of the earliest women's schools in the region to promote women’s education and rights.

Business Achievements

Cun Zunfu founded Fushenglong, the largest jade business in Myanmar (缅甸), specializing in exquisite jade.

He created the famous jade brand "Cunjia Jade" (寸家玉), which became the most renowned jade in Tengchong, and is still regarded as one of the five famous jade varieties of the region.

Under his leadership, Fushenglong expanded to places like Shanghai (上海) and Guangdong (广东), creating a legacy of fine craftsmanship.

Key Attractions

"Golden Silk Longevity Banner" (金丝寿幛)

The "Golden Silk Longevity Banner" is a national treasure presented to Cun Zunfu by Sun Yat-sen in 1915. This piece of embroidery, measuring 4.2 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width, is crafted from golden thread and silk, illustrating the Eight Immortals Worshiping Longevity. This intricate masterpiece was completed by two embroiderers over the course of one year. The craftsmanship involved in its creation has since been lost, making it a priceless historical artifact.

The banner was almost destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but it has been preserved and is now displayed at the Fushenglong business in Tengchong during the Golden Week (October 1-10) every year.

Jade Artifacts from Fushenglong

The Fushenglong jade business produced exceptionally fine jade pieces that are still highly regarded in the jade market. Some of the rare jade stones and finished products from Fushenglong can be seen on display at the residence, offering a glimpse into the high-quality craftsmanship that earned Cunjia Jade its fame.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Year-round: 09:00 - 18:00 (closed on Mondays)

Ticket Price

Free (included in the Heshun Ancient Town pass)

Suggested Visit

Recommended route: It is suggested to visit alongside the Heshun Library (和顺图书馆) and Wenchang Temple (文昌宫) to experience the full historical context of Heshun Ancient Town.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Revolutionary Contributions

Cun Zunfu was instrumental in funding major revolutionary movements, including the Huanghuagang Uprising (黄花岗起义) and Tengyue Uprising (腾越起义). His financial support played a crucial role in the success of these uprisings.

He also helped Sun Yat-sen to organize and spread revolutionary ideas by creating the Zhenhan Society (振汉社) and Shubao Society (书报社) to advance the cause of the Tongmenghui (同盟会).

Jade Culture of Tengchong

Tengchong, often called China’s Jade Capital, is famous for its jade culture. The jade industry here has a long history, with Cunjia Jade being a significant product that shaped the development of the jade trade in the region. The legacy of Cun Zunfu and his jade creations remains deeply embedded in the local culture.

The Former Residence of Cun Zunfu is more than just a historical site; it is a testament to the life of a remarkable man who shaped both the jade industry and modern Chinese history. His contributions to revolutionary movements, his business acumen, and his philanthropic efforts make this residence a must-visit destination for anyone interested in China's cultural and historical development. Stepping into this grand Siheyuan allows visitors to experience the splendor of Cun Zunfu’s legacy and witness the rich history of Tengchong as a hub for jade trade.