In 1896, under duress from the Qing government, Japan was permitted to establish a special jurisdiction in Xiamen. The Japanese government dispatched Ueno Senichi to serve as consul in Xiamen. He was tasked with establishing a consulate that met two conditions: 1) proximity to the British government; 2) proximity to Xiamen itself. Consequently, he chose 26 Lu Jiao Road, adjacent to the British Consulate (almost directly opposite the Gulangyu Dock). At the time, Britain was a dominant power, and Japan was keen to emulate it in all aspects. Thus, although the building was designed by a Chinese architect, it was styled in the British architectural tradition with a Chinese-style roof.
In 1928, Japan constructed two red buildings (Japanese-style architecture, very similar to the buildings at the University of Tokyo) on the side of the consulate. During the Anti-Japanese War, the basement prison here held many anti-Japanese patriots. To this day, the walls still bear the anti-Japanese slogans and bloodstains left by those patriots. The site is open all year round for exterior visits only.
Related posts:
Gulangyu Island: A Tranquil and Beautiful Tourist Destination in Xiamen
The Century-old Gulangyu Museum Introduction
The Bell Tower of Nanputuo Temple in Xiamen, Fujian
Xiamen Xiangshan International Yacht Marina – A Scenic Seaside Destination
Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park Introduction
Xiamen’s Red Carpet Wax Museum: A Unique Art Experience
