[Peking University Landmark] Lin Hu Xuan
May 23, 2019
Peking University, May 23, 2019: The name “Lin Hu Xuan” literally translates to “the building by Weiming Lake,” but this structure is more than simply a building by the lake. It has a rich history and remains an important part of campus.
Lin Hu Xun is the oldest of the surviving cultural relics of Yan Yuan Garden which became Peking University’s campus in 1952. Originally, Lin Hu Xuan was called “the Moon Tower in the Wind” and was part of Shu Chun Yuan, the residence of feudal official He Shen - during the reign of Emperor Qianlong.
Unfortunately, like many historic buildings, it was destroyed by foreign predators in 1860. When Yenching University was built, however, Mr. and Mrs. George, friends of Leighton Stuart, who was then the university’s president, donated funds to reconstruct “the Moon Tower in the Wind.” Once completed, it was presented to Stuart to be used as his official residence. In 1931, Bing Xin, a famous female writer in China, named the building “Lin Hu Xuan” and later former President Hu Shih wrote the dedication for it.
Although it is not very large, Lin Hu Xuan is beautifully built in the style of ancient Chinese architecture. Nestled in a thick grove, Lin Hu Xuan is quiet and secluded. To the east, it is close to a gully, to the northwest it leans into a hill, and in the northeast it is adjacent to Weiming Lake. From outside, visitors can only see the ridge of the roof, but once inside, the view is breathtaking.
Since the completion of Yenching University, Lin Hu Xuan has mainly served as the presidents’ dwelling until the advent of New China. Although Ma Yinchu, who served as Peking University president from 1951 to 1960, lived in it after Peking University relocated to Yan Yuan, none of recent presidents have lived there. Today, Lin Hu Xuan serves as a reception center for honored guests.
Written by: Liu Huihui
Photo credit to: Li Xiaoyi
Edited by: Erin Dunne, Zhang Jiang
