In 1896, Japan forced the Qing government to allow the establishment of a special jurisdiction in Xiamen. The Japanese government sent Ueno Senichi to Xiamen as Consul, with two conditions for building the consulate: 1. Proximity to the British government; 2. Proximity to Xiamen. Thus, he chose the location at No. 26 Lugiao Road, adjacent to the British Consulate (almost directly opposite the Gulangyu Dock). At that time, the British were powerful, and Japan deliberately emulated them in everything. Although this building was designed by a Chinese architect, the architecture is in the British style, with a Chinese-style roof.
In 1928, Japan built 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, and to this day, one can still see slogans left by imprisoned patriots and traces of blood on the walls.
Related posts:
The Century-old Gulangyu Museum Introduction
Japanese Consulate in Xiamen: A Historical Landmark
A Showcase of International Architecture on Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island – A Tranquil and Beautiful Tourist Destination
Gulangyu Island Museum: A Century of Cultural Heritage
Gulangyu’s Timekeeping Tower: A Unique Architectural Gem
