Nestled among the high-rise blocks lining Tai'an Street in Zhanjiang's Chikan district, there is one building that stands out: a two-floor European-style villa.

Passersby often stop to take a closer look at this moldering red-brick structure, which looks like it has dropped into the surrounding housing community from another era.

The finely-carved eaves of the Memorial Hall for Yang Yisan in Tai'an Street of Chikan district [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

The building has clearly seen better days. Tree branches poke through the house's beautiful carved eaves, windows are missing panes, and damp and dirt have darkened the brickwork and stone pillars. But it is clear that the building was once a sight to behold.

The building was originally constructed in 1928 to act as a memorial hall for one of Zhanjiang's most famous heroes from the 20th century.

The front atrium with a tablet bearing the Chinese characters for “Memorial Hall for Yang Yisan” can be seen hanging from the top. [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

Yang Yisan was once chairman of the city's chamber of commerce in the days when Zhanjiang was still known as Guangzhou Bay, but he is most remembered for the key role he played in the Xinhai Revolution of 1911.

As a member of the United League of China, Yang fought alongside Sun Yat-sen to end China's 2,000-year-old imperial system and establish the Republic of China in its place.

After Yang's death, his descendants renovated his tomb and built a memorial hall to show their respect to Yang for his contribution to the nation. The local government later listed the tomb as a historical site under provincial protection.

As the place exhibits Yang's life experiences, the memorial hall plays a vital role in preserving the memory of Zhanjiang's history and culture during the Guangzhou Bay period. Protecting the hall is the common concern of Yang's later generations and local residents.

A view of the inside of the Memorial Hall for Yang Yisan [Photo zj.southcn.com]

Now, Zhanjiang finally plans to restore the hall to its former glory. According to the Zhanjiang association of cultural heritage protection, blueprints for the renovation project have been submitted to the relevant government departments, and work will begin as soon as the project is granted government approval.

The building will be opened to the public once the restoration work is complete.

“High-quality materials will be used and craftsmen with superb skills will be hired, and the renovation work won't damage the former characteristics of the building,” said a member of the protection association.

Yang Yisan's tomb is listed as a historical site under provincial protection. [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]