Yung Wing Memorial Hall (Former Zhenxian School)
Updated: 2016-03-15 Print
Yung Wing (Rong Hong, 1828-1912), born in Nanping Village, Nanping Town, dubbed “father of Chinese overseas studies” and, a pioneer and explorer of China’s modernization movement, was the first Chinese to study in the US.
He was granted an honorary Doctorate of Laws by Yale in 1876, and dedicated himself to the Westernization Movement of China throughout his life. He promoted the introduction of western learning to the East, took part in the reform led by K'ang Yu-wei (Kang Youwei) and Liang Ch'i-ch'ao (Liang Qichao) and supported the Revolution of 1911. In 1870, he initiated the Chinese Educational Mission (CEM) and organized 120 young students to study in the US, garnering government support to send abroad the youngsters who would grow up to modernize China.
Yung Wing Memorial Hall occupies the former site of Zhenxian School. Established in 1871 with 500 taels of silver raised by people following Yung Wing's example, Zhenxian School is one of the earliest private schools in Guangdong; Yung Wing was its honorary schoolmaster.
The memorial hall covers nearly 1,000 square meters and houses a gallery dedicated to the "Pioneer of China's modernization movements -- Rong Hong".
Address: West Street (Xi Da Jie), Nanping Town, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
Buses: K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, 201