[Photo courtesy WeChat account: zhxzql]

Yung Wing (Rong Hong, 1828-1912), born in Nanping Village, Nanping Town, was the first Chinese to study in the US as well as a pioneer and explorer of China's modernization movement. 

He was granted an honorary Doctorate of Laws by Yale in 1876, and had dedicated himself to the Westernization Movement of China throughout his life. He promoted the introduction of western learning to the East, took part in the reform led by K'ang Yu-wei (Kang Youwei) and Liang Ch'i-ch'ao (Liang Qichao) and supported the Revolution of 1911. In 1870, he initiated the Chinese Educational Mission (CEM) and organized 120 young students to study in the US, garnering government support to send abroad the youngsters who would grow up to modernize China.

Yung Wing Museum occupies the former site of Zhenxian (Select the Virtuous) School -- a provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Established in 1871 with 500 taels of silver raised by personages following the example of Yung Wing, Zhenxian School was one of the earliest private schools in Guangdong, and Yung Wing was named honorary schoolmaster. It earned fame for opening access to the outside world by abolishing imperial examinations and embracing western learning.

The museum opened May 17, 2019. In it, the display of more than 200 images and 100 historical documents takes up 600 sqm (6,458 sqft) out of 800 sqm (8,611 sqft) of floor space. Holographic projections of historical scenes, lessons, and videos also provide visitors with better understanding about the forefather of overseas Chinese students.

Selected as an International Culture Communication Base for Overseas Chinese by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese in November 2020, it will schedule many cultural activities to keep close contact with overseas Chinese, preserve culture, and promote international cultural exchanges.

Address: 2 Lane 1, East Street, Nanping Town, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Buses: 5, 14, 15, 16, 34, 60, 201, 204, 601