Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong at Meiling, Donghu Hotel

Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong at Meiling, Donghu Hotel

The Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong at Meiling, Donghu Hotel, is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a patriotic education base.

Meiling, located on a small hill on the north shore of East Lake in Wuhan, is a single-story courtyard-style villa that is simple, sturdy, bright, and quiet, tucked away among green trees. From February 1953 to October 1974, Chairman Mao visited Wuhan 30 times, staying at Donghu Hotel each time. After the completion of the Meiling Villa in 1960, he stayed at Meiling No. 1. Among them, Meiling No. 1 is the place where Chairman Mao stayed most frequently and for the longest duration outside of Beijing’s Zhongnanhai after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, often referred to as his “imperial retreat.”

Due to Chairman Mao’s 44 stays during his lifetime and its long-term role in hosting important political receptions, Wuhan’s Donghu Hotel—referred to as the “Zhongnanhai of Hubei”—is shrouded in mystery in the eyes of the world.

Donghu Meiling is located on the picturesque shores of East Lake in Wuchang. Established in 1960, it consists of the Meiling No. 1, Meiling No. 2, and Meiling No. 3 architectural complexes, and offers a variety of service facilities. The grounds feature secluded tree-lined paths, towering trees like clouds, egrets flying and cranes soaring, and various plants and rare trees favored by Chairman Mao, such as pine, bamboo, and plum, which can be seen everywhere. The scenery is enchanting and harmonious.

Meiling is the place where Chairman Mao stayed the longest and most frequently outside of Zhongnanhai. Sometimes he came at least once a year, and up to three times. His stays ranged from as short as a month to as long as half a year. Here, he managed myriad domestic and international affairs, met with many Chinese and foreign dignitaries and international friends, organized the polemic against the Soviet Union, and wrote the widely loved poem “Prelude to Water Melody · Swimming.” During the Cultural Revolution, he referred to this place as the “land of white clouds and yellow cranes” in one of his letters.

Meiling was opened to the public in early 1993 and has since received a large number of Chinese and foreign visitors. It has now become a new tourist attraction where people can reflect on Chairman Mao’s later years and experience the life of the great leader.

Donghu Meiling was established in 1960 and consists of the Meiling No. 1, Meiling No. 2, and Meiling No. 3 architectural complexes. The courtyard covers an area of 0.83 square kilometers. The east courtyard is adjacent to East Lake Park, while the west courtyard faces Luojia Mountain and Moshan Mountain across the water.

From 1960 to 1974, Chairman Mao lived and worked here. Meiling is the place where he stayed the longest and most frequently outside of Zhongnanhai. Sometimes he came at least once a year, and up to three times; his stays ranged from as short as a month to as long as half a year. Here, he managed myriad domestic and international affairs, met with many Chinese and foreign dignitaries and international friends, and wrote the widely loved poem “Prelude to Water Melody · Swimming.” As a result, Donghu Meiling has been hailed by outsiders as the “Zhongnanhai of Hubei.” Many other national leaders have also left their footprints here.

In October 1967, Premier Zhou Enlai met with the delegation of the People's Assembly of Albania at the Meiling Auditorium.

In December 1974, Deng Xiaoping, then Vice Premier of the State, accompanied Chairman Mao in receiving foreign guests at Meiling No. 1. President Li Xiannian, President Jiang Zemin, and President Hu Jintao have also stayed at or visited Donghu Meiling.

Heritage Significance

Meiling is the place where Chairman Mao stayed the longest and most frequently outside of Zhongnanhai. Sometimes he came at least once a year, and up to three times; his stays ranged from as short as a month to as long as half a year. Here, he managed myriad domestic and international affairs, met with many Chinese and foreign dignitaries and international friends, organized the polemic against the Soviet Union, and wrote the widely loved poem “Prelude to Water Melody · Swimming.” During the Cultural Revolution, he referred to this place as the “land of white clouds and yellow cranes” in one of his letters.

Meiling was opened to the public in early 1993 and has since received a large number of Chinese and foreign visitors. It has now become a new tourist attraction where people can reflect on Chairman Mao’s later years and experience the life of the great leader.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units