Who's Who in China (3rd edition)/Chang Hsiang-wen

Mr. Chang Hsiang-wen

張相文字蔚西

Mr. Chang Hsiang-wen was born at Szuyang Hsien, Kiangsu Province, in 1866, and was a member of a very poor family. In his youth he studied the Chinese Literature and Classics, but did not distinguish himself in the competitive examinations under the Ching Regime. Later he took up the study of science and made himself an authority on the geograp'hy of China. For a period of twenty years he taught school while privately doing research work. During this time he published several books on Physical Geography and the Geographical History of China. Between 1905 and 1911 Mr. Chang taught in several schools and colleges in Tientsin At that time two persons in China were considered authorities on Chinese Geography based on the modern method of study, one being Mr. Chang and the other Mr. Pai Ya-yu, a revolutionist who was killed in 1911 at Lanchow, Chihli. by General Wang Huai-ch'ing who was then commander of government troops stationed there. In 1908 Mr. Chang organized the Chinese Geographical Institution in Tientsin and was elected its President. Since its organization a monthly journal called "The Geographical Magazine" has been published. After the establishment of the Republic, Mr. Chang was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the First Parliament. When in January 1914 Parliament was dissolved by Yuan Shih-kai, Mr. Chang immediately started on an extensive expedition over the northwestern part of China. He discovered the original site of the Great Wall and located the tomb of Jenghiz Khan and wrote a series of articles on his discoveries and travel for the Journal of the Institution and other magazines. In June 1916 Mr. Chang returned to Peking when the old Parliament was reconvoked by President Li Yuan-hung. When it was for the second time dissolved in June 1917, Mr. Chang proceeded to Canton with other parliamentarians to establish the "Extraordinary Parliament" and join southern leaders. This gave him a chance to travel practically over all the Southwestern provinces. Since that time he has devoted most of his time to writing on various subjects, particularly on morals and religions. In June 1922 the old Parliament was for the third time reconvened by President Li Yuan-hung who had reassumed the office of Chief Executive, and Mr. Chang again became an M.P. Mr. Chang strongly believes in Buddhist teachings and has been a vegetarian for many years. He is still writing for the Chinese Geographical Magazine and is the President of the Chinese Geographical Institution.