The French Charm of Kunming - Lu Han Mansion

Proceeding from No. 65 Cuihu South Road, and moving forward, you arrive at No. 4 Cuihu South Road, where a luxurious mansion suddenly comes into view. Compared to the No. 65 courtyard, it seems quite modest. This is the largest and best-preserved French-style architectural courtyard in Kunming - the Lu Han Mansion. The Lu Han Mansion was the private garden-style residence of Lu Han, the chairman of Yunnan Province during the Republic of China period. It was completed in 1933, covering a total area of 5,600 square meters, with a building area of 1,500 square meters. The main building is a brick and stone French-style structure with an octagonal floor plan. The roof is a steep slope Ying Shan flat tile, featuring a distinct Gothic style. Stone pillars, door frames, window frames, and other stone components are often decorated with relief sculptures. The interior is equipped with fireplaces, and both the primary and secondary bedrooms, as well as the dining room, have floor-to-ceiling doors and windows that open onto balconies. The French garden outside the mansion is also a delightful place that makes one linger and forget to return. It is amazing to find such a strong French charm in the southwest of China. Now, the Lu Han Mansion has been converted into the Yunnan Uprising Memorial Hall, which displays the history of Lu Han leading the uprising during the Liberation War, defecting to the new China, and the liberation of Yunnan.