柏园 Bai Yuan
Discover the former site of the Historical Language Institute of Academia Sinica. Exploring the “headstream” of Chinese Modern Literature.
Dongshan Bai Yuan is a three-floor building located at No. 12, Xuiguyuan Road, in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China. It is one of the many "Western-style buildings" constructed in the first half of the 20th century in the Xinhepu area of Old Dongshan. In 2018, it was included in the fifth batch of historical buildings in Guangzhou, and in July 2022, it was designated as a cultural relic protection unit in Guangdong Province.
Important History
On October 22, 1928, at the suggestion of Professor Rong Zhaozu, the Institute of History and Language of Academia Sinica relocated from Zhongshan University to Bai Yuan. On June 5, 1929, the institute moved again, this time to Beiping.
Architectural Features
Covering an area of over 300 square meters, the garden features a three-floor single-yard building with an inverted "凹" shape. The entrance boasts an arch and is adorned with rich Islamic-style decorations.
From the West Block building to an outdoor garden, there's something to see in every corner.
The building of Bai Yuan West Block generally preserves its original style. The middle section of the building's southern façade features an Islamic-style arched porch, with the exterior walls constructed of red bricks. Notable elements such as the retro patterned bricks, Western-style railings, and arches showcase characteristic craftsmanship that has been well preserved. This building stands out as a large-scale example of the Chinese-Western architectural style in Guangzhou.
The interior furnishings of the “Yue Book Bar 粤书吧” Library are customised in the style of the Republic of China, featuring a reading area, an activity area, and an exhibition area. The services the library offers to readers are provided by the Guangdong Provincial Zhongshan Library, housing nearly 4,000 books in total. It includes a special shelf for donated books and a selection focused on figures from the "Institute of History and Philology," as well as titles related to cultural relics, archaeology, Chinese literature, classics, and children's books.
The themed exhibition of the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica on the second floor is divided into three parts:
The Aspiration of Creating Something from Nothing—The Founding of the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica
Hands-On Exploration—Research Activities During the Early Years of the Institute of History and Language
Endless Renewal—The Preservation and Utilization of the Institute of History and Language's Former Site (Cypress Garden).
Let you gain a comprehensive understanding of Bai Yuan.
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BAI YUAN 柏园
Address
No. 4-1 Xuiguyuan Road
Yuexiu District
Guangzhou, Guangdong
China
Contact
Tel: (020)87306745
Ins: @baibai.yuan_1923
WeChat Official Accounts: 广东文物考古
Access
Wed-Sun 10 am – 8 pm
Free Admission
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