No. 5, Baishiling Baishi Society, Sifeng Village, Zengjiang Street, is a place full of historical charm. Here, there is a historical monument standing - the former residence of Chen Zongnan. It is not only the fourth batch of registered cultural relics protection units in Zengcheng District, but also a building that condenses the memory of time. During the Spring Festival holiday, we stepped into this historical courtyard together and felt the precipitation of the years and the inheritance of culture.
The history of the former residence of Chen Zongnan dates back to 1922, and its construction is magnificent, with a total area of 85674 square meters, in a northeast to southwest pattern. The main building is opposite to the second building, the former is made of blue bricks, hence the name "Green Building", and the latter is built of red bricks, called "Red Building". This brick-concrete structure is not only strong and durable, but also shows the craftsmanship of the time.
The main building stands on the left side and covers an area of 2045 square meters, up to three floors, with an overall height of 13 meters. The Red Building, on the right side, presents a "convex" layout and also has three floors with a total height of 13 meters. Although the two are slightly different in structure, they both integrate Chinese and Western architectural styles, highlighting the unique charm of Chen Zongnan's former residence.
Inside the former residence, it reflects the architectural style of combining Chinese and Western styles. The second floor of the main building houses a living room, a study and a rest room, while the third floor is semi-vacant, leaving only a rooftop. The Red House is similar, except that it does not have a patio inside, but instead has a Western-style cluster of balconies, showing a different living atmosphere. The design of the balcony is exquisitely chic, giving a sense of secluded tranquility, highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship and design philosophy of the architecture of the time.
Chen Zongnan, the life of this historical celebrity is closely linked to the former residence. He was born in a peasant family, bright and studious since childhood, and then went to the United States to study chemistry, and made outstanding achievements in the field of education. After returning to China, he successively taught at Guangdong University (formerly known as Guangdong Higher Normal School and Sun Yat-sen University) and held important positions for more than 30 years. As an outstanding educator and scientist, he has made outstanding contributions to chemical education and the development of the chemical industry in Guangdong.
Today, Chen Zongnan's former residence is managed by a relative of the head of the household, and although the gate is closed for further visits, a corner of the former residence can still be glimpsed through the gate, and this historic building still exudes a strong cultural heritage, which makes people wonder and be in awe of the past years.
The former residence of Chen Zongnan, as a cultural relics unit of great historical significance, has witnessed the changes of the times and carried countless stories and memories. Its existence is not only a memory of history, but also the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture. Let us walk into this historical courtyard with awe, feel the weight of the years, and appreciate the breadth of culture.