Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing

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

　　A national-level tourist attraction, key cultural relics protection unit of China, ideological education base for central state organs, patriotic education base for Beijing youth, and capital civilized tourism scenic area. Located at No. 46, Houhai 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 private villa of Heshen during the Qianlong era, the garden of Prince Cheng Yongxing’s residence during the Jiaqing era, later the garden estate of Prince Chun Yixuan (father of Emperor Guangxu) during the late Qing, and then the garden estate of Prince Chun Zaifeng (father of the last emperor Puyi), also known as the Regency Prince’s Garden. By the eve of the founding of New China, the site had fallen into disrepair. Later, entrusted by the Party and government, the then Premier oversaw the preparation of a residence for Comrade Soong Ching Ling in Beijing. In 1961, the prince’s garden was renovated, and a two-story building was added to the west of the original structure, creating an elegant and serene courtyard. From 1963 to 1981, Soong Ching Ling lived and worked here for 18 years until her passing. In 1982, this site was officially named the “Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China.”
The site retains the layout and style of a prince’s garden while incorporating features of Western villas, creating a blend of Chinese and Western landscaping. It houses ancient and famous trees such as century-old crabapple trees, 200-year-old pomegranate tree sculptures, and 500-year-old phoenix locust trees. Nalan Xingde, the foremost poet of the Qing Dynasty and son of Mingzhu, once composed poetry here, and two ancient trees he planted himself remain on the grounds. The garden also features southern and northern flowers and plants cared for by Soong Ching Ling, including pine trees from the Western Hills, potted pomegranates, and longan grapes. Her favorite ornamental pigeons add a peaceful atmosphere to the courtyard. Every April during the crabapple blossom season, visitors flock to admire the flowers. The museum permanently displays the “Exhibition on the Life of Soong Ching Ling” and the “Original Living Arrangement Exhibition,” showcasing the environment where she lived and worked. With over 20,000 cultural relics, the collection mainly includes Soong Ching Ling’s manuscripts, photographs, and other documents, as well as personal collections. On January 27, Soong Ching Ling’s birthday, and May 29, the anniversary of her passing, themed commemorative events are held.
The courtyard buildings include the front hall “Hao Liang Le Qu,” the rear hall “Chang Jin Zhai,” the east wing “Guan Hua Shi,” and the west wing connected to the newly built main building. The garden is traversed by flowing water from Shichahai Lake, featuring a covered walkway and Enbo Pavilion on the lake, a Taihu rock symbolizing “peace every year” at the foot of the Western Hills, and pavilions such as ? Pavilion, Ting Yu Wu (Listening to the Rain House), and Gui Bao Ting (Treasure Pavilion) on the hill.

　　Scenic Area Services

　　Permanent Exhibits: Exhibition on the Life of Soong Ching Ling, Original Living Arrangement Exhibition, Courtyard Exhibition
Ticket Price: Original price: 20 RMB/person; Discounted price: 5 RMB/student
Reservation Required: One week in advance
Visitor Limit: 200 people

　　Location

　　The former residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China, is located at No. 46, Houhai Back Lake North Bank, Xicheng District, Beijing. This is a typical Chinese-style courtyard. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a tranquil garden with lush rockeries, shaded flowers and trees, and a clear, winding lake. After the founding of New China, the Party and government originally planned to build a dedicated residence for Comrade 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 prince’s garden was repurposed and 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 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 “Guan Hua Shi.” The extended corridor connects the “South Building” to the south, the east hall to the north, and the prince’s residence to the east, with the “Enbo Pavilion” built in the middle of the corridor. The rockery opposite the South Lake is arranged in a staggered fashion, featuring the “Fan Pavilion” and “Ting Yu Wu.” From her youth when she followed 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 the major events of the Chinese revolution to which she devoted herself starting in 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, who was in the midst of his revolutionary endeavors. 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, remained indomitable, and stayed committed until her death. Over her decades-long revolutionary career, with her lofty prestige, she united many international friends for China’s revolutionary and construction endeavors. Figures such as Norman Bethune, ?, Kotnis, and George Hatem were introduced by Soong Ching Ling and became lifelong, inseparable friends of the Chinese people. She was not only one of the founders of New China but also one of its outstanding leaders in its construction. Soong Ching Ling devoted great effort to the development of cultural, educational, and welfare programs for women and children.
The main building of the residence, constructed in 1962, is a two-story structure that blends Chinese and Western styles. Its exterior imitates traditional design and harmonizes with the surrounding scenery. In the center of the courtyard, a clear lake embraces 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.

　　On May 29, 1982, with approval from the central authorities, the residence was opened to the public. To date, it has welcomed nearly 3.5 million domestic and international visitors. People come here to honor Soong Ching Ling’s glorious lifetime achievements in the struggle for New China and to remember her noble spirit of dedication to the people. Her lofty virtues, character, and remarkable achievements will live on forever in the hearts of the people.

　　Transportation to the Residence

　　Address: No. 46, Houhai Back Lake North Bank, Beijing

　　Transportation: Take bus routes 819 or 5 and get off at Guozi Shi Station.

　　Soong Ching Ling (1893~1981)　　 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. Originally from Gulu Garden Village, Changsa Town. Born on January 27, 1893, in Shanghai. She attended McTyeire School for Girls in Shanghai during her early years and went to Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, USA, in 1908. She graduated in 1913 with a bachelor’s degree. In the same year, after returning to China, she began her revolutionary career as secretary to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. On October 25, 1915, Soong Ching Ling married Dr. Sun Yat-sen. During the May Fourth Movement in 1919, in Beijing... More+