A Western-style Building, Half of Modern History - A Dialogue Across Time and Space at Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence

I. Quick Overview • Address: Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence Memorial Hall, Cuiheng Village, Nanlang Town, Zhongshan City • Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30, closed on Mondays) • Tickets: Free (Reservation required via the official WeChat account) • Transportation: ◦ High-speed Rail: Take bus K26 from Zhongshan Station to 'Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence Station', about 40 minutes. ◦ Self-driving: Navigate to 'Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence Memorial Hall', free parking available. II. Must-see Exhibits and Highlights 1. Restoration of Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence • Main Buildings: ◦ Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence: A two-story Western-style building constructed in 1892 by Sun Yat-sen's elder brother, Sun Mei, showcasing the architectural style of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. ◦ Agricultural Culture Display: The backyard retains traditional farming tools such as waterwheels and ox carts, recreating the labor scenes of Sun Yat-sen's childhood. • Detailed Highlights: ◦ Study on the first floor displays replicas of Western books and manuscripts from Sun Yat-sen's study abroad period. ◦ Bedroom on the second floor exhibits the long gown he wore during the revolutionary period and the kerosene lamp he used. 2. Exhibition of Sun Yat-sen's Life and Achievements • Permanent Exhibits: ◦ 'The Road to Revolution': Presents Sun Yat-sen's journey from studying in Honolulu, graduating from the Hong Kong College of Medicine, to leading the Xinhai Revolution. ◦ 'Overseas Footprints': Uses maps and old photos to trace his revolutionary activities in Japan, the United States, Europe, and other places. • Digital Interaction: VR experience of the 'Wuchang Uprising', providing an immersive experience of the historical moment of the Xinhai Revolution. 3. Cultural Landscape of Cuiheng Village • Village Walk: ◦ Yang Yin's Former Residence: The old residence of early Communist Party member Yang Yin, displaying revolutionary relics and family letters. ◦ Lu Haodong's Former Residence: The old residence of Sun Yat-sen's classmate and revolutionary partner, providing insights into the early revolutionary team. • Folk Experience: Participate in the villagers' ancestral worship ceremonies on the first and fifteenth of each month to experience Lingnan traditional culture. III. Recommended In-depth Experiences 1. Guided Tours: • Regular Tours: Held daily at 10:30 and 14:30 (free, gather 10 minutes in advance). • Thematic Lectures: Weekends offer lectures on topics such as 'Sun Yat-sen and Modern Diplomacy' and 'Evolution of Weapons in the Xinhai Revolution' (reservation required). 2. Nearby Attractions: • Zhongshan Film and Television City (15 minutes by car): Features Republic of China Street, Japanese Area, and British Area, where you can dress up and take photos in Republic of China style. • Zheng Guanying's Former Residence (20 minutes by car): Visit the former residence of the author of 'Words of Warning to a Prosperous Age' and an early reformist representative. 3. Local Food Recommendations: • Shiqi Pigeon: Signature dish at 'Shiqi Lao' restaurant in Cuiheng Village, crispy skin and tender meat, recommended salt-baked. • Yako Wonton: Handmade wontons with thin skin and fresh filling at 'Yako Wonton King', an old shop in the village, served with dried fish broth. IV. Practical Tips and Advice • Best Time to Visit: ◦ Arrive before 8:30 AM: Avoid the crowds of tour groups and capture the serene atmosphere of the residence in the morning light. ◦ Wednesday/Friday Afternoon: Fewer tour groups, ideal for a quiet visit to the exhibits. • Photography Tips: ◦ Take panoramic shots of the European-style building under the century-old banyan tree in front of the residence. ◦ Use props like wooden plows and haystacks in the farming area to take nostalgic photos. • Special Events: ◦ Sun Yat-sen's Birthday (November 12): Academic seminars and public garden parties are held. ◦ National Day: Night light show with historical event projections on the residence building. V. Cultural Significance and Reflection • Dialogue Between Architecture and History: The residence retains many features of late Qing Dynasty Lingnan dwellings (such as oyster shell walls and Manchu windows) while incorporating Western arches and iron railings, reflecting Sun Yat-sen's 'East meets West' philosophy. • Contemporary Inheritance of Revolutionary Spirit: The memorial hall guides young people to think about national responsibility through the 'Young Sun Yat-sen' interactive area, making it worth visiting with children. VI. Sample Itinerary • Half-day Tour: Visit Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence (2 hours) → Agricultural Culture Experience (1 hour) → Shiqi Pigeon Lunch → Return. • Full-day Tour: In-depth Guided Tour of the Residence (3 hours) → Participate in Cuiheng Village Folk Activities → Dress-up Photos at Zhongshan Film and Television City → Yako Wonton Dinner. Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence Memorial Hall is not only a place to remember the footsteps of a great man but also a window to understand the process of China's modernization. It is recommended to allocate at least 3 hours, combining guided tours and immersive exhibits to feel the depth of history and the warmth of humanity.