Yuzhong District Former Site of the French Consulate in Chongqing

Located at No. 35 Fenghuangtai, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, the Former Site of the French Consulate in Chongqing was built in 1898. The building features a typical eclectic style blending Chinese and Western elements, reflecting the development and transformation of Chongqing's modern architecture. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the French Consulate was relocated here due to Japanese bombing, continuing its historical mission. Historical Background The French Consulate was established by the French government in 1896, initially located at the Erxian Nunnery in the city, and later moved to Consular Lane. In 1902, the French Navy established the French Navy Barracks on the south bank of Chongqing, and the French Embassy once used the barracks for office work. During the War of Resistance, the consulate was relocated to its current location and continued its diplomatic activities. Architectural Style and Current Status The Former Site of the French Consulate adopts a traditional mixed brick and wood structure, with brick columns for load-bearing and wooden floors, featuring a strong colonial architectural style. The building has a linear layout, with half-span colonnades on the east, west, and south sides, and a modified hipped roof with dormer windows. The restored building still retains a rich neoclassical architectural style. In 2013, the site was listed as a seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.