Located in Shanghai, the birthplace of Soong Ching-ling, the Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence Memorial Hall is situated in a tranquil spot on the bustling Huaihai Road. The main structure comprises the Soong Ching-ling Cultural Relics Museum, a garage, and the main building. The main building, positioned in the center of the courtyard, was Soong Ching-ling’s former residence, surrounded by lawns and gardens, and encircled by over 30 century-old camphor trees. Soong Ching-ling had a particular fondness for camphor trees, which is depicted in the eighth-grade literature textbook of Jiangsu Education Edition, titled ‘The Camphor Trees of Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence’. Originally a private villa of a German, this cream-colored building was where Soong Ching-ling worked and lived for nearly 15 years from 1949 to 1963, serving as an important venue for her state activities and preserving many precious historical moments and cultural relics. Upon entering the Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence Memorial Hall, one is greeted by a white statue of Soong Ching-ling. Behind the statue lies the Soong Ching-ling Cultural Relics Museum, housing over 15,000 pieces of cultural relics, including photographs, correspondence, Soong Ching-ling’s university diploma, books, personal and work items, state activity gifts, items belonging to Soong Ching-ling’s relatives, and the seal of Sun Yat-sen, meticulously preserved by her through hardships. Adjacent to the museum is the garage, where two cars are parked: a ‘Hongqi’ brand sedan brought from Beijing for Soong Ching-ling’s use, and a ‘ZiM’ brand sedan gifted by Stalin. The main building’s southern section maintains the original layout of Soong Ching-ling’s life. The ground floor features a hallway, living room, dining room, and library, with a ‘Galloping Horse’ painting by Xu Beihong hanging on the hallway wall, and a portrait of Sun Yat-sen on the living room wall. The second floor consists of bedrooms and an office, with a set of rattan furniture given by her parents as a dowry, and a sofa and coffee table once used by Sun Yat-sen. The residence offers free volunteer guided tours on the hour, with specific times posted on the notice board at the entrance. The venue does not provide catering services, but Huaihai Road, one of Shanghai’s bustling streets, offers numerous dining options nearby. The shopping point at the entrance, the Visitor Center, primarily sells souvenirs based on the concept of ‘Universal Love’ by Sun Yat-sen, Soong Ching-ling’s husband. Opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00-17:00; closed all day on Mondays. Preferential policies include free admission for children aged 6 (inclusive) or under 1.3 meters (inclusive) in height; half-price for children aged 6 to 18 (inclusive); free admission for seniors aged 70 and above with valid identification; preferential rates for seniors aged 60 and above with valid identification; free admission for active-duty military personnel, retired military officers, firefighters, and disabled individuals; preferential rates for full-time college and undergraduate students with valid identification; free admission for martyrs’ families, families of military personnel who died in service, and families of deceased military personnel with valid identification. Note: Preferential information is for reference only; please check the latest information disclosed by the Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence on the day of your visit.
Essential Tips: Photography is prohibited inside the main building of the Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence Memorial Hall, and visitors are required to wear shoe covers when entering the main building (provided by the scenic area).
