Diligent Governance, Loving the People: A Special Exhibition on Fang Guancheng, Governor-General of Zhili


Main Room (Part 1: The Governor's Life): Fang Guancheng (1698–1768), courtesy name Xiagu, known by the sobriquets Wenting and Yitian, was born in Tongcheng, Anhui Province.

Diligent Governance, Loving the People: A Special Exhibition on Fang Guancheng, Governor-General of Zhili

Main Hall (Part 1: Governor Fang Guancheng’s Life): Fang Guancheng (1698–1768), courtesy name Xia Gu, known by the sobriquets Wen Ting and Yi Tian, was born in Tongcheng, Anhui Province. He was one of the "Five Great Governors" during the Qianlong era. Serving as Governor-General of Zhili for nearly two decades, he approached every task—large or small—with unwavering dedication and tireless effort. Under his leadership, he tackled devastating floods, revitalized agriculture to benefit the people, established numerous public granaries, reformed the postal system, revived local academies, and actively promoted education and culture. His literary contributions were extensive. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to public service, cherished the welfare of the people, and upheld integrity and honesty in all his duties. His remarkable achievements and exemplary conduct are meticulously recorded in historical chronicles, while his extraordinary life continues to be celebrated by generations of citizens as a true legend.

The East Wing Chamber (Part Two: A Dedicated Hub of Governance): While serving as the Governor-General of Zhili, Fang Guancheng deeply understood the hardships faced by the local people. He tirelessly worked to manage the region’s waterways, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the crucial rivers within Zhili Province—including the Yongding, Ziya, and Hutuo Rivers. Moreover, he mobilized the populace to clear canals, build embankments, and plant trees extensively, effectively combating sandstorms around the capital area. Additionally, he oversaw the meticulous restoration of city walls, bridges, and other architectural structures in multiple key locations across the province, such as Hejian and Baoding—truly leaving behind a remarkable legacy of administrative achievements.

West Wing Chamber (Part 3: Good Governance for the People): Throughout his life, Fang Guancheng tirelessly worked for the welfare of the populace. Deeply aware of the hardships faced by ordinary citizens, he focused on agricultural development during his tenure, actively promoting the cultivation of high-yield and cash crops. Always prepared for the future, he established charitable granaries and formulated the "Regulations on Relief," devoting himself wholeheartedly to improving people's lives. Beyond his contributions to national and livelihood affairs, Fang Guancheng also placed great emphasis on education, enabling academies across Zhili Province to flourish. Himself a man of profound cultural refinement, he was passionate about poetry and literature, excelled in calligraphy, and left behind an impressive body of written works.