Tianjin’s historic residences adopt new formats to bring patriotic history to life

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and Tianjin’s historic sites dedicated to patriotic figures are embracing new formats to attract visitors and strengthen public education. Through immersive performances, distinctive architectural settings, and thoughtfully curated exhibitions, these landmarks are making history more vivid and engaging.

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows actors reenacting historic scenes in an immersive performance at the former residence of Ji Hongchang, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows exhibition displays inside the former residence of Ji Hongchang, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows Colonel Zheng Ji’an (left), granddaughter of Ji Hongchang, giving a lecture at the former residence of Ji Hongchang, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

At the former residence of Ji Hongchang, the patriotic general who devoted his life to resisting Japanese aggression, live reenactments bring historic moments to life. Actors recreate key scenes from the 1930s, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of those turbulent years and better understand the spirit of sacrifice that inspired the nation.

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows the exterior of the Liang Qichao Memorial, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows visitors exploring exhibitions inside the Liang Qichao Memorial, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows the exterior of the Yinbingshi Study, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

The Liang Qichao Memorial — a rare example of early 20th-century Chinese-Western fusion architecture — combines its distinctive design with exhibitions that guide guests through Liang’s reformist ideals, prolific writings, and contributions to China’s modern transformation. Widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of modern China, Liang inspired generations with his vision of national rejuvenation.

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows visitors viewing exhibitions inside the former residence of Li Shutong, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows the exterior of the former residence of Li Shutong, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025, shows exhibitions inside the former residence of Li Shutong, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

The former residence of Li Shutong — later known as Master Hongyi — offers a different charm. While Tianjin is renowned for its European-style villas, this site preserves a traditional Beijing-style courtyard, providing an intimate setting for displays on Li’s artistic achievements, musical works, moral teachings, and his devoted patriotism expressed through cultural and spiritual renewal during turbulent times.

By blending immersive performances, architectural charm, and carefully designed exhibitions, these sites invite visitors to connect personally with the stories and spirit of national heroes. As the anniversary year prompts reflection, Tianjin’s patriotic heritage sites are evolving into living classrooms, enabling visitors to draw inspiration from the past and carry forward the values that shaped modern China.