137 Zhongshan Road 中山路
Tianjin
This is the original site of the General Mint of Feudal Chinese Ministry of Revenue, founded by Zhou Xuexi after Boxer Uprising. It’s on the verge to be demolished, even it’s a registered historical relic. A few concerned people are rallying all they could to stop it.
Having just passed by the Ancient Culture Street, which is a fake – newly built, I wonder why don’t they preserve the General Mint instead? The area is large with so many historical structures …
To the brave few who are trying to preserve it: good luck and be the force with you.
The site is massive, bigger than the Zhongshan Park (中山公园), which is located to its northeast corner. And is on the verge to be demolished. Notice of Compensation and Resettlement Plan for Non-residential Houses 非住宅房屋征收补偿安置方案 is prominent posted – to the upper left corner of the photo below.
The small path (it’s called Yuwei Road 宇纬路 on the nw side of the Zhongshan Road) to the right of the facade (inscribed by Wu Dingchang 吴鼎昌, an industrialist) goes in. On the right side, going straight is a small community with a security booth and to the right is where we want to visit – the old mint.
… beautiful courtyards and houses, although they’re all dilapidated …
A gentleman with raspy voice came out of his house and we stuck up a lengthy conversation. He proudly pointed to his windows “they’re so unique, you don’t see them nowadays any more …”. He’s from (a part of) 254 army hospital. After a little chatting, he invited us in. The old house has high ceiling and many details are intact.
Then the raspy voice led us to the two-story grey structure, #78. “It’s their office building,” he said.
It’s vacant now. Above the door, the engraving is barely visible “化学室” Chemistry Room. “There used to be a 鹤 crane but was smashed.
To the left side building, there is a room, probably added recently, long after 1976. Apparently a family is living there and they used the thin space between the building and wall as their kitchen.
cars or carts, pedaled and gasoline fueled …
I like doors and windows, obviously …
… oh … the undies in the courtyards …