As one of the leaders of the late Qing Reform Movement, Kang Youwei not only left a deep mark on China's political scene, but also showed his broad vision in the world. In 1904, he bought an island in Sweden and named it "Beihai Grass Hall". This is an interesting chapter in his colorful career.
Kang Youwei Profile
- Biography: Kang Youwei (1858-1927), a famous political thinker and reformer in the late Qing Dynasty. He advocated learning Xi Western scientific and political system and promoting China's transformation to modernization.
- Political activity: He was one of the leading proponents of the Pentecostal Reform Act (1898). This change attempted to impose a constitutional monarchy and other reforms in China, but ultimately failed, leading to Kang's exile abroad.
The origin of the North Sea Thatched Cottage
- Life in Exile:During his exile, Kang Youwei traveled to several countries, including Sweden. He was attracted by the natural beauty of Northern Europe and bought a Swedish island in 1904.
- Island Purchase:According to reports, Kang Youwei spent 360,000 Swedish kronor, equivalent to 1.5 million yuan today, bought the island. He built a Chinese garden on the island called "Beihai Thatched Cottage", hoping to establish a cultural exchange center here.
- Life & Activities:Kang Youwei enjoyed a quiet life in Beihai Thatched Cottage and continued to engage in his cultural and political activities.
Subsequent changes to the island
- Departure and Desertion:After Kang Youwei left Sweden in 1907, the island was gradually abandoned. It is rumored that after the expiration of the right to use the island, it was taken back by Sweden**.
- Status:Now, it is said that the island has been developed into a tourist attraction called "Hotel Island". Still, many Chinese and tourists interested in Kang Youwei's story are still Xi to calling it "Kang Youwei Island."
Kang Youwei's historical legacy
Thought Contributions:Kang Youwei's reform ideas, especially his advocacy of a constitutional monarchy, had a profound impact on the Xinhai Revolution and China's modernization.
- Cultural Exchange:His life and activities demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange, especially the international perspective of his exile.
Conclusion
Kang Youwei's life and activities have not only left a mark on Chinese history, but his "Beihai Thatched Cottage" in Sweden also reflects his passion for cultural exchange and personal pursuits. The island and its changes reflect the changes of an era and the dreams of a thinker. Although it has now become a tourist attraction, the story of Kang Youwei still echoes there.