Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing

Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing

The Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing is a national AAA-level tourist attraction, a key national cultural heritage protection unit, and a patriotic education base.

The former residences of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China, are located at No. 46, Back Lake North Bank, Xicheng District, Beijing; No. 161-162, Yanjiang Avenue, Liuhuangpi Intersection, Wuhan; No. 1843, Middle Huaihai Road, Shanghai; and No. 5, Xincun, Lianglukou, Yuzhong District, Chongqing.

It is a national-level tourist attraction, a key national cultural heritage protection unit, an ideological education base for central state organs, a patriotic education base for Beijing’s youth, and a civilized tourism site in the capital. Located at No. 46, Back Lake North Bank, Xicheng District, it showcases ancient Chinese architectural art as well as modern Chinese history. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era as the garden estate of Grand Secretary Mingzhu, it served as the retreat of Heshen during the Qianlong era, the garden of Prince Cheng Yongxing in the Jiaqing era, later the garden estate of Prince Chun Yixuan, father of Emperor Guangxu, and in the late Qing Dynasty, the garden of Zaifeng, father of the last emperor Puyi, also known as the Garden of the Regency Prince’s Mansion. By the eve of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the place had become dilapidated. At the request of the Party and government, then-Premier Zhou Enlai oversaw the preparation of a residence for Comrade Soong Ching Ling in Beijing. In 1961, the mansion garden was renovated, and a two-story building was added to the west of the original structure, creating an elegant and tranquil courtyard. From 1963 to 1981, Soong Ching Ling lived and worked here for 18 years until her passing. In 1982, the site was officially named the “Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China” by the state.

The site retains both the layout and style of a princely mansion garden while integrating features of Western villas, creating a unique blend of Chinese and Western landscaping. The garden houses century-old crabapple trees, 200-year-old pomegranate tree specimens, and 500-year-old phoenix locust trees among other rare ancient flora. Nalan Xingde, the foremost poet of the Qing Dynasty and son of Mingzhu, once composed poetry here, and two ancient trees he planted personally still remain. The garden also features southern and northern flowers and plants cared for by Soong Ching Ling, such as West Mountain pines, potted pomegranates, and longan grapes. Her favorite white doves add an air of peace to the garden. Every April during the crabapple blossom season, visitors flock to admire the flowers. The museum permanently hosts exhibitions on “The Life of Soong Ching Ling” and “The Original Living Conditions of Soong Ching Ling,” displaying the environment where she lived and worked. The collection includes over 20,000 cultural relics, mainly comprising Soong Ching Ling’s manuscripts, photos, and other documents as well as personal collections. On January 27, Soong Ching Ling’s birthday, and May 29, the anniversary of her passing, commemorative events are held.

The residence consists of the front hall “Hao Liang Le Qu,” the rear hall “Chang Jin Zhai,” the east wing “Guang Hua Shi,” and the west wing connected to the newly built main building. The garden is traversed by live water diverted from Shichahai, featuring corridors, the Enbo Pavilion over the lake, and the “Suì Suì Píng’ān” Taihu rock by the West Mountain. The mountain also has the Xuan Ting, Ting Yu Wu, and Gui Bao Ting pavilions.

Scenic Area Services

Permanent Exhibits: Exhibition on the Life of Soong Ching Ling, Original Living Condition Exhibit of the Residence, Courtyard Exhibition

Ticket Price: Original price: 20 RMB/person; Discounted price: 5 RMB/student

Reservation Required: One week in advance

Visitor Limit: 200 people

Geographic Location

The former residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China, is located at No. 46, Back Lake North Bank, Xicheng District, Beijing. It is a classic Chinese-style courtyard. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by serene rockeries, lush flowers and trees, and a clear, winding lake. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Party and government originally planned to build a dedicated residence for Soong Ching Ling in Beijing, but she declined repeatedly, citing the many pressing needs of the nation. Eventually, under the personal attention of Premier Zhou, this princely mansion garden was refurbished. Soong Ching Ling moved here in 1963 and lived, worked, and studied here for nearly 20 years until her passing on May 29, 1981. Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing

Residence Architecture

The original ancient structures in the garden include the front hall “Hao Liang Le Qu,” the rear hall “Chang Jin Zhai,” the side hall “Ting Li Xuan,” and the east hall “Guang Hua Shi.” The extended corridor connects the “South Building” to the south, the east hall to the north, and the mansion buildings to the east, with the “Enbo Pavilion” built in the middle. The rockery opposite the South Lake is terraced, featuring the “Shan Ting” and “Ting Yu Wu.” From her youth following Dr. Sun Yat-sen in revolution to the final moments of her life, Soong Ching Ling endured seventy years of trials and tribulations. Everything here reflects the virtues, character, and unyielding pursuit of this extraordinary and great woman, as well as highlights key events in the Chinese revolution to which she devoted herself since the 20th century. Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing

In 1915, despite family opposition, Soong Ching Ling resolutely married Dr. Sun Yat-sen during his revolutionary struggles. From then on, for the cause of saving the nation and its people led by Sun Yat-sen, and for her ideal of “seeking freedom and equality for China,” she endured countless hardships and remained unswerving until her death. Over decades of revolutionary work, with her respected stature, she united many international friends for China’s revolutionary and construction endeavors. Figures like Norman Bethune, [name omitted], Dwarkanath Kotnis, and George Hatem were introduced by Soong Ching Ling and became lifelong friends of the Chinese people. She was not only one of the founders of New China but also an outstanding leader in its construction. Soong Ching Ling devoted significant effort to advancing the cultural, educational, and welfare causes for women and children.

The main building of the residence, built in 1962, is a two-story structure that blends Chinese and Western elements, with an exterior resembling traditional architecture harmoniously integrated with the interior scenery. In the center of the courtyard lies a clear lake embracing the main building and lawn, and there is a pigeon coop by the back lake. Soong Ching Ling loved pigeons and often fed them herself after work.

Approved by the central authorities on May 29, 1982, the residence was opened to the public and has since received nearly 3.5 million domestic and international visitors. People come here to honor Soong Ching Ling’s lifelong dedication to building New China and to reflect on her selfless spirit in service of the people. Her noble character, virtues, and glorious achievements will live forever in the hearts of the people.

Suggested Visit Duration

1 hour, can be combined with a visit to Back Lake

Transportation

Take bus routes 5, 27, 44 (outer), 55, 83, 206, 210, 305, 315, 380, 409, 625, 872, 877, 880, 882, 884, 885, 888, 909, 919, or Special Line 12 and get off at Deshengmen Station, then walk east along Back Lake North Bank; take routes 5 or 210 and get off at Guozisi Station, then walk south along Back Lake Alley; or take Metro Line 2 to Jishuitan Station Exit B, then walk east along Xihai and Back Lake North Bank for about 10 minutes.

Admission

20 RMB/person, 5 RMB for students, 10 RMB for seniors over 60, free for seniors over 70

Opening Hours

Low Season (November – March): 9:00–16:00

Peak Season (April – October): 9:00–18:00

Scenic Spot Location

No. 46, North Back Lake, Xicheng District, Beijing

Soong Ching-ling (1893–1981)  Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China. A modern female revolutionary and one of the founders of the People’s Republic of China. Her ancestral home was in Gulu Garden Village, Changsa Town. She was born on January 27, 1893, in Shanghai. In her early years, she studied at McTyeire School for Girls in Shanghai. In 1908, she went to study at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, USA, affiliated with the Methodist Church. She graduated in 1913 with a bachelor’s degree. After returning to China that same year, she began her revolutionary career as the secretary to Sun Yat-sen.

October 25, 1915, Soong Ching-ling and Sun Yat-sen...  More details about Soong Ching-ling++

Shichahai Subdistrict: Located in the northeastern part of Xicheng District, adjacent to the Shichahai water system (comprising Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai). The Shichahai Subdistrict is situated in the northeast of Xicheng District and was formed by merging the area east of Xinjiekou North Street from the former Xinjiekou Subdistrict with the former Changqiao Subdistrict. The subdistrict covers an area of 5.80 square kilometers. It borders Dongcheng District to the east along Jiugulou Street, Di’anmen Inner and Outer Streets; connects to Xinjiekou Subdistrict to the west along Xinjiekou South and North Streets and Xisi North Street; adjoins Xichang’an Street Subdistrict to the south along Jingshan Front Street, Wenjin Street, and Xi’anmen Street; and extends north to Deshengmen East and West...  More details about Shichahai Subdistrict++

Further reading:

· Second Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites