Meilu

Meilu

Meilu is an English-arched villa tucked away in a secluded grove of greenery, and it is also a unique cultural landmark on Mount Lu that showcases one facet of China’s tumultuous modern history. "Meilu" once served as Chiang Kai-shek’s summer capital residence and was where the “First Lady” of that era lived. The historical trajectory it represents is closely intertwined with the events of the century, and it was once an “off-limits garden,” shrouded day and night in drifting clouds—both enchanting and perplexing. The two Chinese characters for “Meilu” inscribed on the courtyard rock were personally written by Chiang Kai-shek.

"Meilu" is a true physical record of history and is the only villa in China where the highest leaders of both the Communist Party and the Kuomintang have resided. It was here that Zhou Enlai once conducted negotiations with Chiang Kai-shek regarding Kuomintang-Communist cooperation. During the 1950s Lushan Conference, Mao Zedong also stayed here. Today, the items and photographs preserved here are of great historical significance.

Guide:

Meilu consists of a main building and an auxiliary building, with a courtyard enclosed by stone walls through which a stream murmurs. The designer of the building—a Briton named Herrick, who was friendly with Soong Mei-ling—donated this house to her in 1934.

Chiang Kai-shek, seeing the tranquil and beautiful surroundings, and noting the character “美” (meaning “beautiful”) in Soong Mei-ling’s name, named it “Meilu” (Beautiful Abode), with the two characters on the courtyard rock personally inscribed by him.

It was here—where negotiations for Kuomintang-Communist cooperation were held with Chiang Kai-shek. During the 1950s Lushan Conference, Mao Zedong also stayed here.

Highlights:

"Meilu" is the only villa in China where the highest leaders of both the Communist Party and the Kuomintang have resided.

Introduction:

On the banks of the Changchong River in the East Valley of Guling, there is an exquisite British-style villa, the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling on Mount Lu. Chiang Kai-shek personally named it “Meilu,” which holds an important place in China’s modern history.

Jiangxi, Jiujiang City

Transportation

Bus: Within Mount Lu, you can take the east-route sightseeing bus to get there.

Walking: If starting from Guling Town on Mount Lu, the town is small, so it’s not far to walk to Meilu—generally no more than 15 minutes.

Opening Hours

8:00–17:30 Location

East Valley of Guling, Mount Lu District, Jiangxi Province, on the banks of the Changchong River