The Residence of Soong Ching Ling
About
The Residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China, is situated on the north bank of scenic Hou Hai(Rear Lake)in Beijing. It covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters, of which one fourth was used for buildings with the rest as gardens, ponds and lawns. First built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911), this graceful and elegant courtyard with its buildings was successively occupied by various nobles and high-ranking officials until 1888 when Empress Dowager Cixi granted it to Yi Xuan or Prince Chun, Emperor Guangxu’s father. He was succeeded by Zai Feng, Prince Regent and father of Emperor Xuantong(1909-1911), the last emperor of the Qing dynasty.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Communist Party of China and the People’s government planned to build a house in Beijing for Soong Ching Ling(Mme. Sun Yat-sen), then Vice Chairman of PRC. Considering that resources should be first used for national construction, she declined the offer again and again. The issue was brought to the attention of Premier Zhou En-lai. He personally selected this former royal garden for Soong Ching Ling, and a small two-storey building with combined Chinese and Western construction styles was added in the west side of the garden. She accepted and moved in in April 1963. Since then, she lived and worked here till her passing away on May 29, 1981.
In October 1981, the garden with its building was officially named as “Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China”, and designated by the State Council as one of China's foremost important monumental buildings. On 29 May 1982, it was formally inaugurated and opened to the public. Later, it was also designated as a National Teenagers Education Center and an Education Center for Cadres of Central and State Organs. It is now not only a famous tour spot, but also a good place people can learn modern and contemporary history of China.
Around
1. Yandai Byway The area of the Hutong: a slanting street from the Drum Tower to Shichahai Lake Feature spots: ancient street scenery, smoking utensils, handicrafts, stores selling characteristic clothes and ornaments.
2. Yinding Bridge First built in Ming Dynasty, the bridge is in the shape of a silver sycee, and that is why it is called Yinding Bridge. The famous "Viewing the mountains at Yinding Bridge" was one of the eight minor sceneries in Beijing.
3. Bell and Drum Towers - The landmark of Beijing Bell and Drum Towers were first built in Yuan Dynasty. Located in the northern end of Beijing middle axis, the towers used to be the time-reporting center in Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties.
4. Lijia Restaurant - Classic palace cuisine Serving classic palace cuisine, the restaurant has been visited by leaders from many countries. It's the most authentic and expensive restaurant that serves imperial cuisine in Beijing. Featured dishes: Sweet and sour pig cutlets, fried abalone, light-fried shellfish, fish flesh cooked in hot sauce Tel: +86 (10) 6618-0107
5. Kong Yiji Restaurant - Shaoxing flavor Featured dishes: Fennel beans, yellow wine, drunk shrimps, Dongpo pork Tel: +86(10) 6618-4915
6. Ji's Barbecued Mutton - A century-old restaurant Featured dishes: Roast mutton, fried cutlet, roast oxtail Tel: +86 (10) 6404-5921Opening time: 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. English menu available and major credit cards accepted.
Tips
Address:No.46 Houhai North Bank, Xicheng District.
PC: 100009
Tel: 64073653(office) 64044205-815(ticket office)
Fax: 64035997
Traffic Guide: Within walking distance from the subway station at Jishuitan by Line 2, or bus station at Deshengmen by No.5, 27, 44, 55, 345, 380, 635, 800 and 919.
Open time: Open daily year-round
April 1—October 31 9:00—17:30
November 1—March 31 9:00—16:30
Website: www.sclf.org
