China's architectural history showcases European-style buildings in cities like Qingdao, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Beijing. The Beijing Exhibition Center, Duan Qirui's Former Government Site, Dongjiaomin Xiang, Wangfujing Catholic Church, Jingshunyuan Park, and Rending Lake Park are notable examples. These sites blend European charm with Chinese traditional elements, offering a glimpse into the cultural exchange between China and Europe.

Duan Qirui's Former Government Site 

Stepping into the gate of The Renmin University of China's old campus at 3 Zhang Zizhong Road, one encounters the remarkable former principal building of the Army Department of Qing Dynasty. This Western classical-style building faces north-south, featuring a prominent four-story castle-shaped bell tower, surrounded by brick-column galleries. The roof, constructed with triangular trusses and iron sheeting, is a splendid fusion of gray brick facades with ornate Chinese brick carvings.

3 Zhang Zizhong Road in Dongcheng District served as Duan Qirui's Former Government Site and simultaneously, the site of the former site of the Army and Navy Department of Qing Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, three mansions existed here: the Prince He's Mansion to the east, the Prince Gong's Mansion in the middle, and Princess Hejing's Mansion to the west. In 1907, the buildings within the east and middle mansions were demolished and replaced by three groups of brick-and-wood structures: the main building in the middle adopted a European classical-style gray brick building, while each east, west, and north side housed one building for the Army and Navy Department of Qing Dynasty.

In 1912, when Yuan Shikai became the interim President of the Republic of China, the Office of the President and the State Council were located here. After 1919, Jin Yunpeng became the Minister of War and then Premier of China, thus, it became the Minister's Office. In 1924, Duan Qirui was elected as the Provisional Chief Executive of Republic of China by the Beiyang warlords, and this place served as his government office. Presently, it houses the Institute of History of the Republic China of Renmin University of China and is open for reservation by public groups.

Address: 3 Zhang Zizhong Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing