Claire Chennault and Anna Chennault's Former Residence | Building 9, Meihua Village (2903)

|Building 9, Meihua Village (2903). Located at Building 9, Lane 1350, Zhongshan West Road, it was built around 1930 and invested and constructed by the American Asia Realty Company. Covering an area of approximately 8.8 hectares, it comprises 18 independent garden houses. Meihua Village's residents were primarily expatriates and it once served as a residential area for foreign nationals and senior management personnel in Shanghai. Meihua Village boasts a diverse architectural style, blending Spanish, British, and other influences, showcasing Shanghai's architectural landscape as an international metropolis during that era. General Claire Chennault, the renowned commander of the "Flying Tigers" during World War II, and his marriage to Chinese-American politician Anna Chennault made Meihua Village an important part of their lives. On December 21, 1947, Chennault and Anna held their wedding ceremony in Meihua Village, Shanghai, and resided there afterward. Their daughter, "Meihua," was also born here, her name symbolizing "US-China friendship" and commemorating their wedding in Meihua Village. Building 9 in Meihua Village is a classic British countryside-style villa, built in the 1930s. It is a two-story brick-and-wood mixed structure, partially single-story. The building has a total length of 36.48m, a total width of 17.54m, a floor height of 3.7m, and a building area of 695 sq m. Its architectural layout is irregular, with a staggered facade and elegant colors. The ground floor's exterior features exposed red brick walls, while the doors and windows are finished with brushed stone. The second floor's exterior walls are adorned with dark, semi-exposed wooden strips. The overall style is simple and fresh, yet exudes refined elegance. As the former residence of Claire Chennault and Anna Chennault, Building 9 not only stands as a testament to Shanghai's modern history but also symbolizes the friendship between China and the US, holding significant historical and cultural value.