Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen

The statue of Sun Yat-sen
The Statue of Sun Yat-sen

The Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen, located at No. 7 Xiangshan Road, Shanghai, is 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. Sun Yat-sen, also named Sun Wen, is 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 at the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen that he accomplished the 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 former residence of Sun Yat-sen

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.
 

How to get to the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen, Shanghai

 By Metro:
1. Take line 13 and get off at Middle Huaihai Road Station. Get out from exit 1 and walk south along Sinan Road for about five minutes. Then you can see the site on your left.
2. Take line 10 and get off at Xintiandi Station. Get out from Exit 6 and walk westward 10 minutes to the south gate of Fuxing Park. The Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen is next to the west gate of the park.
 By Bus:
1. Take bus 24, 41, 301, or 986 and get off at Ruijinerlu Fuxingzhonglu Station. Walk east along Xiangshan Road for about three minutes to the residence.
2. Take bus 36, 780, 781, 786, 869, 932, 933, 974, or 986 and get off at Chongqingnanlu Fuxingzhonglu Station.
Shanghai Bus / Metro Search

Admission Fee CNY 20

Children under 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) enjoy free entry.
Audio Guide Service (English/Japanese ) CNY 20 (deposit: CNY 200 with passport or CNY 400 without passport)
Opening Hours 09:00-16:30

Related Attraction in Nanjing: Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen

 Nearby Attractions:
Sinan Road
Former French Concession
Former Residence of Zhou Enlai

Read more: Places of Interest in Shanghai: 12 Historical Sites to Explore

- Last updated on Feb. 21, 2024 by Kate Liu -