Former Residence of Shi Liang

　　The former residence of Shi Liang is situated at No. 143 Heping South Road. Shi Liang, a woman, was one of the “Seven Gentlemen” of the National Salvation Association during the War of Resistance against Japan. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, she held positions such as Minister of –, Vice-Chairperson of the All-China Women’s Federation, Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Chairperson of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League. The residence is now a municipal cultural heritage site.

　　Standing in the courtyard of this old house on Heping South Road and looking at this aged building, one can’t help but think of Shi Liang’s childhood — it’s as if you can see the lamplight of her studying late at night, or envision her walking out from here to attend university to study law and politics... Every brick and tile, every pillar and beam of this old house once nurtured Shi Liang’s growth. Nowadays, seeing this former residence left unrepaired for many years, still crowded with several households, with furniture and clutter filling every space, I can’t help but think: Changzhou, this ancient city rich in culture and talent, owes its historical significance and brilliance to figures such as Qu Qiubai, Zhang Tailei, Yun Daiying, and including Shi Liang. Currently, the former residences of most 0 leaders born in Changzhou have been renovated and opened to the public as tourist attractions. Yet the former residence of Shi Liang — an outstanding figure who was a close friend of the Chinese 0 and made extraordinary contributions to the revolution — should rightfully be prioritized for restoration on the agenda of the city’s leaders. The residence should also display relics and materials related to Shi Liang’s revolutionary activities, for future generations to admire, so that they may draw spiritual nourishment from the remarkable life of this exceptional revolutionary heroine.