Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing

The Spark of Revolution in the Ancient Town: A Visit to Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns

Altitude

365m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence is a profound historical site nestled within the heart of Longtan Ancient Town in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing. Far from being just a static museum, this residence is a living testament to the early history of the Chinese Communist Party and the life of one of its most brilliant pioneers, Zhao Shiyan. Located in the hinterland of the Wuling Mountains, along the banks of the Youwater River, the residence blends the solemnity of "Red Culture" with the architectural beauty of traditional residential compounds, offering a journey through time where history and vernacular art intersect.

The residence, covering a building area of approximately 1,000 square meters, is a designated National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a classic "Red Tourism" scenic spot. It was built in the 28th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1902) by Zhao Shiyan's father. The architecture is a stunning example of the Qing Dynasty style mixed with local Tujia influences. It features a wood and brick structure with 32 rooms, characterized by "green tiles and white walls" and intricate "corridor bridges" (Tianqiao Langyuan). The layout is a traditional quadrangle courtyard with a skywell (Tianjing), ensuring good lighting and ventilation, while the wooden floors and carved windows reflect the elegant aesthetics of a scholarly family in the Wuling region,,.

Entering the residence, visitors are greeted by a large horizontal board inscribed with "Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence" by Deng Xiaoping. Inside, the Zhao Shiyan Life Exhibition systematically displays historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that narrate his short but glorious life. Born here in 1901, Zhao Shiyan spent his formative years in this courtyard before leaving to study in Beijing and later France, where he became a key figure in founding the Chinese Communist Party in Europe alongside Zhou Enlai. The exhibition highlights his roles as a Marxist theoretician and a leader of the vivid worker movements in Shanghai, up until his tragic sacrifice in 1927 at the young age of 26,.

A highlight of the visit is the restored bedroom on the second floor. This small room, furnished simply with a wooden bed, a desk, a tung oil lamp, and an old-fashioned suitcase, recreates the environment where Zhao Shiyan studied and lived. Standing in this quiet space, looking out through the carved windows at the Longtan Ancient Town, visitors can connect with the spirit of the young revolutionary who once pondered the future of his nation from this very spot. The residence acts as the "Dragon's Eye" of Longtan, a town famously shaped like a dragon, linking the personal history of the Zhao family with the broader cultural heritage of the region,.

Beyond the walls of the residence lies the vibrant Longtan Ancient Town, with its 3-kilometer-long stone slab street, fire-sealing walls (Firewalls), and traditional stilt houses (Diaojiaolou). Visiting the residence offers a dual experience: immersing yourself in the "Red" revolutionary spirit while soaking in the "Ancient" charm of a preserved Ming and Qing dynasty salt transportation hub. Whether you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence provides a moving and educational experience in the scenic mountains of southeastern Chongqing,,.

✨ Why Visit Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence

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Former residence of early CCP leader Zhao Shiyan, a key figure in the Chinese labor movement

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A well-preserved traditional Sichuan courtyard house with Qing Dynasty architectural style

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Exhibits include historical photographs, personal artifacts, and documents from his revolutionary activities

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The site serves as a patriotic education base and memorial to his life and contributions

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Located in Youyang County, Chongqing, within a historic neighborhood setting

Location & Nearby

📍 Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing • 🏔️ 365m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence Travel Guide

Where is Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence located?

It is located in Longtan Ancient Town, Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality.

Who was Zhao Shiyan? Zhao Shiyan (1901-1927) was a prominent early leader of the Chinese Communist Party, a Marxist theoretician, and a key figure in the worker's movement who sacrificed his life for the revolution at age 26,.

Is there an entrance fee? It is a National Red Tourism site and generally free to the public (identification is usually required for entry), though policies can change, so it's best to check locally.

What else can I see nearby? The residence is inside Longtan Ancient Town, so you can explore the 3km stone street, the Wanshou Palace, the Yu Family Compound, and enjoy local Tujia cuisine.

How much time should I spend there? A visit to the residence typically takes about 1 hour, but allow at least half a day to explore the surrounding Longtan Ancient Town.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Zhao Shiyan's Former Residence?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.