Former site of French Minister Department and French Army Headquarters in Guangzhouwan, French colonial administrative building in Xiashan District, Zhanjiang, China.
The building in Xiashan served as headquarters for French ministerial departments and army command for Guangzhouwan, the French territory in South China. Its design blends European construction methods with local influences and shows how colonial administration was organized during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
The site emerged in the late 19th century when France took control of Guangzhouwan and developed it as an outpost in South China. The building remained the center of French power until the middle of the 20th century, when colonial rule came to an end.
The site reflects the French colonial presence in China and shows how foreign power was expressed through buildings and urban planning. The rooms reveal a period when outside administration shaped daily life in this region.
The site is open for visitors to explore the rooms and exterior of the complex at their own pace. It is worth planning enough time for a thorough visit and using any information provided on site.
The floor plan and many interior details remain in their original condition, allowing researchers to understand the daily routines and practices of colonial administration. Such preservation is uncommon, as many similar buildings in the region have been altered or demolished.
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