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the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China

As a renowned historical attraction of Shanghai, the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China has received 10 million visitors from home and abroad since its opening 50 years ago, with attendance rising to 1.8 million visitors in recent years after rebuilt in 1999. Situated at No.76 Xingye Road, next to Shanghai Xintiandi, a fashionable pedestrian area, the two-story Shikumen building was completed in 1920 as the residence of two Communist Party members. On July 23, 1921, thirteen members held their first national congress of the Communist Party of China here, marking the birth of the Party.

In the living room on the first floor where the congress was held, everything is placed as it was 84 years ago. The articles copied from the originals create an imposing atmosphere in this 18-square-meter (194 sq. ft) little room. Upstairs is an exhibition hall of 450 square meters (4,860 sq. ft), with more than one hundred revolutionary relics, documents, and photos on display. The exhibits cover the history of the Party's birth, the blooming of nation-wide communist teams, photos of the thirteen members, etc. In addition, a waxworks hall inside vividly reproduces the scene of this significant meeting. The other twelve members listen and smile as Mao Zedong, founder of the PRC, makes his speech. Lifelike, the wax figures seem to make time stand still, bringing people back to that exciting moment.

Shikumen: an architectural style with carvings on the stone gate, popular in Shanghai during the 1920s. See the related introduction of it : Shanghai Xin Tian Di.

Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen

At No.7 Xiangshan Road, Shanghai, stands a two-storey European-style building. It may not be that noticeable among the nearby high buildings and mansions but it has won deep reverence and admiration from visitors since it was opened to the public in 1988. It is the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen (also named Sun Wen), the great forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution, the founder of the Republic of China and the respected contributor to Chinese modern history.

From 1918 to 1925, Mr. Sun Yat-sen and his wife, Mrs. Soong Ching Ling lived in the Former Residence, which was donated by some patriotic overseas Canadian Chinese, in support of the Chinese revolution. It was here that Mr. Sun accomplished his renowned masterpieces such as Doctrines of Sun Wen, Plans of China's Development, etc., made the plan of reforming the Three Principles of the People (Nationalism, Democracy and the People's Livelihood) and put forward the three cardinal policies (alliance with Soviet Russia, cooperation with the Communists and assistance to the workers' and peasants' movements). It was also here that he received the representatives of the Communist Party of China and promoted the first cooperation between the two major parties in Chinese modern history (the Nationalist Party and the Communist Party).

The residence witnessed his enthusiasm and his contributions to the Chinese revolution during the last years of this great man. After his death in 1925, Mrs. Soong continued to live here until 1937 when the Japanese army occupied Shanghai. Eight years later, upon China winning the war, Mrs. Soong offered to provide her home as the permanent site to Mr. Sun's memory. In 1961, the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen was listed as being one of the Key State-preserved Cultural Relic Units.

According to Mrs. Soong's memories, the furnishings, most of which were those used by the couple, are displayed where they were. While walking through the house, one can recreate the life of the owners through every exhibited article, either the knives hanging over the fireplace, or the photos on the wall of the living-room, or the books lining the bookcases, or even a pair of glasses once used. The activities of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, especially those of the days when he lived in Shanghai, are also displayed in historical materials and pictures. On the anniversaries of Mr. Sun Yat-sen's birth (Nov. 12) and his death (Mar. 12), flowers are presented this great man with respect from the municipal government of Shanghai, the relatives of Mr. Sun, and people from all walks of life.