Former Residence of Yuan Jiagu in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
The Former Residence of Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷) is located at 22 Nan Zheng Street, Yilong Town, Shiping County, Honghe (石屏县城异龙镇南正街22号). Covering an area of 695.8 square meters with a building area of 875.9 square meters, this residence is a classic wooden Siheyuan (四合院) from the Qing Dynasty. The exhibits within the residence provide a vital window into the cultural history of Shiping.
Interior Features
Upon entering the courtyard, visitors are greeted by a large portrait of Yuan Jiagu displayed prominently on the west wall of the main hall. The upstairs showcases Yuan’s biography, works, and calligraphy, while the lower level exhibits historical artifacts from Shiping. The side rooms served as Yuan’s study during his lifetime, housing his treasured writing tools.
Despite its modest size, the residence encapsulates the rich historical and cultural essence of Shiping, making it an excellent place for locals to learn about their cultural heritage. In 1993, it was designated a provincial cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan.
About Yuan Jiagu
Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷, 1872-1937), whose courtesy name was Shuwu (树五) and art name Shupu (树圃), was a prominent figure in Yunnan’s educational and cultural landscape. Renowned for his contributions as a professor at Yunnan University, he was celebrated as a unique national scholar and the top scholar in the region. His self-created calligraphy style, known as “Yuan Family Script” (袁家书), marked his exceptional status.
Architectural Features
The residence features intricately carved beams and a horizontal plaque at the entrance bearing the words “Economic Special Scholar” (经济特元) in gold on a red background. The couplets on either side read:
- “The fish pond is clear after rain, the wind stirs the fragrance of ink and paper” (雨过鱼池清，风荡纸墨香)
- “A thousand years of shade from the fishweed, the pine sound stretches nine miles” (萱蔭千秋松声九里)
Above the second gate is a black plaque reading “Tai Shi Di” (太史第).
Yuan Jiagu’s Life
Yuan Jiagu was born on July 12, 1872, in Shiping. At 21, he moved to Kunming for examinations and achieved high ranks, earning the title of “King of Examinations” (课王). Despite setbacks, he persevered and became a high-ranking official and educator. His achievements included ranking first in the “Economic Special Examination” (经济特科) in 1904, a significant milestone as it marked Yunnan’s first top scholar since the abolition of the imperial examination system.
Contributions and Legacy
In 1903, Yuan passed the unique Economic Special Examination, focusing on governance and practical solutions. His status was elevated above ordinary scholars, earning him the nickname “National Third Scholar” (国朝第三人). His contributions to education included developing textbooks and introducing terms still in use today.
Later in life, he established the Shiping Library and advocated for improving national literacy. His works, including identifying the birthplace of Zheng He (郑和), emphasized the importance of local history.
Travel Tips
- Getting There: The residence is accessible via local transportation or by car. The nearest major city is Kunming, which has frequent bus and train services to Shiping County.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in nearby restaurants for a complete cultural experience.
By visiting the Former Residence of Yuan Jiagu, you gain insight into Yunnan’s educational heritage and the legacy of one of its most revered scholars.
