This photo taken on Aug. 7, 2026 shows an exterior view of the renovated former residence of renowned modern Chinese diplomat Wellington Koo in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)

　　TIANJIN, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- As visitors push open the vermilion gate at 267 Hebei Road in the Heping District of north China's Tianjin Municipality, the former residence of renowned modern Chinese diplomat Wellington Koo comes into view through the trees.

　　Inside, the first-floor reception room traces Koo's diplomatic career. On the second floor, qipao, jewelry and period-costume photography recreate scenes from the life of Koo's wife. Upstairs, a study recreates a period office setting.

　　The aroma of coffee wafts up from below, mingling with visitors' footsteps and tour guides' voices inside the century-old Western-style building.

　　Just over a year ago, the house stood almost empty.

　　Built in 1921, Koo's former residence is part of the modern architectural complex in Tianjin's Wudadao historical urban area, or the Five Great Avenues, which was included in the seventh batch of China's national key cultural relic protection units.

　　The building was later used as office space for many years. On an architecture-themed tourist route released by Tianjin's culture and tourism authorities in 2025, Koo's former residence was still marked as "exterior viewing only."

　　"When we first took over, the place was basically empty," recalled Jin Qianwen, curator of Koo's former residence. From planning and positioning the exhibition to sorting through historical stories, attracting businesses, and setting up facilities, the team gradually filled the space.