Born in Shanghai, Yan Huiqing was one of the first American-educated Chinese scholars and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1900. He has also published under the names Wei Ching Williams Yen, and W.W. Yen. Yan taught English in Shanghai before entering government service and serving as premier fives times. He was China’s first ambassador to the Soviet Union and the Chinese delegate to the League of Nations.
Yan was the author of the two volume An English and Chinese Standard Dictionary(1908). During World War II while under Japanese house-arrest in Hong Kong, he translated and compiled Stories of Old China (1942). His autobiography East-West Kaleidoscope, 1877–1946: An Autobiography was published in English in 1974 and in Chinese in 2003.
He lived in this residence as the Chinese Ambassador to the United States from 1931–1933.
The Homes
2001 19th St NW, Washington, DC (Former Chinese Legation (1902-1944))
A Georgian Revival mansion, built for the Imperial Chinese Legation, this building was divided into 13 condominiums in 1944. The building retains its grand entry foyer, fireplaces, and much of its original wood beams, floors, and trim.
Also home to: Mai-Mai Sze Tcheng Yu-hsiu
Yan Huiqing
2001 19th St NW
Located in Sheridan/Kalorama neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek