Former Residence of Mao Zedong in 1920

Former Residence of Mao Zedong in 1920

The former residence of Mao Zedong in 1920 is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanghai.

The former residence of Mao Zedong in 1920 is located at No. 63 Anyi Road. It is a two-story brick-and-wood building along the street, with the downstairs serving as a living room and dining area, and the upstairs as bedrooms, where Mao lived. He shared the apartment with Li Sian, Li Fengchi, Chen Shunong (some say Zhang Wenliang), and they took turns cooking. Each person had only 3 yuan for pocket money, living a very frugal life. Mao resided here continuously from his arrival in Shanghai on May 5 until he left in early July.

At his residence on Anyi Road, Mao initiated the establishment of the Hunan Reform Promotion Association and published articles such as "Initiating Declaration of the Hunan Reform Promotion Association," "Discussion on the Construction Issues of Hunan," and "The Self-Determination of the Hunan People" in newspapers and magazines, which drew public attention. He attended the "Bansongyuan Meeting" to discuss the affairs of the New People's Study Society. On May 8, Mao and 11 other members of the New People's Study Society held a meeting at Bansongyuan, located at No. 480 Bansongyuan Road, to discuss the society’s mission, operational principles, and membership procedures — decisions that would significantly influence the society’s future development. He also saw off Hunan youths heading to France for work-study programs. On May 9, Mao went to the French Wharf at Yangjingbang to bid farewell to six New People's Study Society members, including Xiao Zizhang, who were going to France for work-study opportunities.

Mao visited No. 2 Laoyuyangli on Xiafei Road (now Middle Huaihai Road) several times to meet with Chen Duxiu, who was then preparing to establish the Communist Party of China, and together they discussed Marxism. In his conversation with Snow, Mao recalled, “The second time I went to Shanghai (note: actually the third time), I discussed the Marxist books I had read with Chen Duxiu. The words Chen Duxiu spoke about his own beliefs made a deep impression on me during what might have been the most crucial period of my life.” “Once I accepted that Marxism provided the correct interpretation of history, my belief in Marxism never wavered.” “By the summer of 1920, I had become a Marxist both in theory and to some extent in action.” These statements indicate that it was during his stay on Anyi Road that Mao ultimately chose his life path and completed his transformation from a radical democrat to a Marxist.

In May 1959, this site was designated as a municipal cultural relics protection unit by the Shanghai Municipal People's Committee.

Mao Zedong (December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976), courtesy name Runzhi (originally Yongzhi, later changed to Runzhi), pen name Ziren. A native of Xiangtan, Hunan. He was the leader of the Chinese people, a Marxist, a great proletarian revolutionary, strategist, and theorist, as well as a principal founder and leader of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and the People’s Republic of China. He was also a poet and calligrapher. From 1949 to 1976, Mao served as the paramount leader of the People’s Republic of China. His contributions to the development of Marxism-Leninism, military theory, and… More details about Mao Zedong ++