Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling

Along a quiet stretch of the French Concession lies the former residence of Soong Ching-Ling. Though she was the wife of Sun Yat Sen, Soong Ching-Ling is also deeply respected in China as a great stateswoman in her own right.

This residence was given her in 1948 by the then government as a sign of this respect, and she lived there until 1979 before moving to Beijing where she died in 1963. The building was constructed in 1920 and is in a mix of Western styles. Here she received many of the great statesmen of the time, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Liu Shaoqi. The house is also filled with presents given her by important politicians from abroad and other famous friends. These include a decorative dagger from President Suarto of Indonesia, and carpets from Mao Zedong.

Despite this however there is a distinct lack of pomp and circumstance within the house. Instead it is comfortable and elegant, and full of the feminine touches of Soong Ching-Ling herself (everything has been left where she placed them). Particularly touching are the photos of Sun Yat Sen, her husband, which she placed in each room.

For 20 yuan you can visit the house as well as the museum within the compound, which shares the same peaceful, elegant atmosphere as the house. Here you can see a range of items from her life, from her childhood biology exercise book to official telegrams to Chiang Kai Shek. After viewing the house you should also have a look at the well kept garden which is circled by 100 year old Camphor trees, and where she held tea parties for her guests.

There are tours of the house every 20 minutes which can be in English, though in the museum not everything is translated into English. There is also a very small souvenir shop at the entrance where you can buy Soong Ching-Ling related items at reasonable prices.

Address: No.1843, Huaihai Road M. Xuhui District
Tickets: 20 yuan per person, 10 yuan student
Telephone: 6474-7183
Open Hours: 9am－4:30pm
Traffic: Metro line 1 (Hengshan Rd. station)

Publishes at : 07-09-25 23:39

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