Jian’s Villa in Foshan

Jian’s Villa (简氏别墅), located at 17 Chen Prime Minister, En Guang Community, Zhumiao Street, Chancheng District, Foshan City (广东省佛山市禅城区祖庙街道恩光社区居委会臣总理17号), was originally purchased by Jian Zhaonan (简照南), the founder of Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company (南洋兄弟烟草公司), during the Republic of China period. This villa is not only an important historical site but also a representation of the fusion of Western and traditional Lingnan architectural styles, a reflection of Jian Zhaonan’s personal journey and success.

It is currently a protected heritage site, recognized by both the Foshan City Cultural Relics Protection Unit (佛山市文物保护单位) and the Guangdong Province Cultural Relics Protection Unit (广东省文物保护单位).

Historical Background 

• Original Owner: Jian Zhaonan (简照南), born Jian Yaodong (简耀东), was an influential overseas Chinese entrepreneur who established Guangdong Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company (广东南洋兄弟烟草公司) in the early 20th century. He was a visionary who successfully competed against major international tobacco companies such as British American Tobacco.

• Early Life: Jian Zhaonan was born in Lichong, Shishan, Foshan (佛山澜石黎涌). He faced significant hardships during his youth, losing his father at a young age and working as a child laborer. However, with the help of his uncle, Jian Mingshi (简铭石), he traveled to Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia, gaining experience and building his business acumen.

• Contributions: Though he relocated to Hong Kong after achieving success, Jian Zhaonan remained committed to his homeland. He made generous donations to schools and supported public welfare initiatives in Foshan. His legacy remains strong in the region, where he owned multiple properties.

Architectural Features 

The villa consists of several key structures: the main gatehouse, the main building, the rear building, the west building, and the original storage room, along with two annexes of Li Zhongsheng Hall (李众胜堂). These buildings collectively occupy an area of 3,200 square meters.

Main Building

The main building is a two-story structure designed in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa, showcasing Jian Zhaonan’s appreciation for Western architecture. It is constructed with reinforced concrete, and the layout includes a central hall flanked by side rooms on the second floor. The floor is paved with marble, and the stair railings are made of teak. The window eaves are adorned with intricate red brick carvings, and the exterior walls are made of polished river stone bricks.

West Building

The west building is a three-story structure, combining reinforced concrete and blue bricks, designed in a Western architectural style. It is an important feature of the villa, reflecting the Western influence on Jian Zhaonan’s personal taste. The building stands as a prominent example of the fusion of Eastern and Western design elements.

Rear Building

The rear building is designed in a traditional Qing Dynasty (清代) style, with its exterior walls entirely made of polished river stone bricks. The large windows are a rare feature in local architecture, with a design that spans nearly half the height of the walls. The windows are placed with narrow gaps between them, creating an unusual but visually striking effect. Despite the large windows, the eaves are decorated with traditional brick carvings, adding a touch of local ethnic style.

Storage Building and Annexes

The storage building faces north and is made with steel doors and windows, a robust construction that provides a stark contrast to the other parts of the villa. This four-story structure follows the local architectural tradition, further highlighting the owner’s integration of both Western and traditional Chinese styles in the villa’s design.

Harmonious Fusion of Styles

The entire villa is a blend of Eastern and Western architectural elements. The main building’s Western-style design, combined with the traditional features of the rear building and storage structure, exemplifies the integration of two different cultural styles. This architectural diversity makes Jian’s Villa one of the most remarkable examples of Sino-Western fusion architecture in Foshan and Guangdong.

Significance and Preservation 

The villa is not only a beautiful example of architectural fusion but also an important cultural and historical landmark in Foshan. It represents the success and contributions of Jian Zhaonan, a key figure in the history of modern Chinese industry. The villa’s preservation as a cultural relic by both local and provincial authorities highlights its value to both the local community and the broader historical and cultural heritage of China.

Today, Jian’s Villa remains one of the largest and most well-preserved examples of Sino-Western fusion architecture in Foshan, attracting visitors who are interested in both its history and its unique architectural design.

Location 

Jian’s Villa is located at 17 Chen Prime Minister, En Guang Community, Zhumiao Street, Chancheng District, Foshan City (广东省佛山市禅城区祖庙街道恩光社区居委会臣总理17号). It stands as a reminder of the rich cultural and architectural history of Foshan, blending local traditions with Western influences in a way that reflects the global outlook of its owner.