Named after the prominent Chinese nationalist, Sun Yat Sen, this villa became a focal point of anti-Manchu activities outside of China. Sun Yat Sen stayed at the villa on three occasions. It is now known as the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
Originally called Bin Chang House and built around the 1880s by Boey Chuan Poh for his mistress called Bin Chang. It was renamed Wan Qing Yuan by the new owner, Mr Teo Eng Hock who bought it in 1905 for his mother to enjoy her later years in peace and tranquillity.
Mr. Teo was a keen supporter of the Nationalist cause in China and offered the place to Dr. Sun Yat Sen, as the Southeast Asian Headquarters of his revolutionary movement, Tong Meng Hui from February 1906. Sadly the owner’s fortunes suffered during the depression and the house was bought over by 6 Chinese businessmen - Lee Kong Chian, Tan Ean Kiam, Chew Hean Swee, Lee Chor Seng, Yeo Kiat Tiow and Lee Chin Tian - who then donated it to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) to be preserved.
After the war, SCCCI converted the villa into a museum called Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, exhibiting artefacts belonging to Dr. Sun and victims of war.