Peking Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Song Qingling Guju)
Peking Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Song Qingling Guju)
Peking Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Song Qingling Guju)
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Song Qingling was the wife of Sun Yat Sen, she loved China & her former home, on the northern side of Hou Hai lake, houses memorabilia. The gardens surrounding the house a lovely.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
73 reviews
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37
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28
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7
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paul g
Brisbane, Australia808 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Knowing little of Soong Ching Ling before this visit I found the information on her available here was plentiful, interesting and very educational. The actual house reflects how she lived very well and the grounds are wonderful. Not only did I learn about her here but there was plenty of details about Chinese history as well.
Written 9 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward R C
Ottawa, Canada262 contributions
Soong Ch’ing-ling’s former residence is just on the North edge of Houhai.
This really is a “must” for those with an interest in the history of modern China and a pleasant “should see” for others with a couple of hours to spare.
Soong Ch’ing-ling (Madame Sun Yet-sen) , one of the three famous Soong sisters – the others being Soong Ai-ling (wife of China’s richest man and finance minister K'ung Hsiang-his) and Soong Mei-ling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek). Soong Ch’ing-ling is often referred to as the “mother” of modern China. She was hugely influential and, for a time, was China’s “eyes and ears” around the world because she, almost alone, had trusted contacts and confidantes in influential positions in America,Asia and Europe and was, in turn, trusted by leaders and high officials around the world.
The mansion, proper, is about 80 years old. It was provided for her by Zhou Enlai, a great friend and trusted colleague and, sadly but necessary, sometimes protector.
There is a brand new (2009) museum which provides a fascinating look at the transition of China from about 1900 until her death in 1981. It is, largely, based on photographs but these, in themselves, provide a good overview of 20th century China.
The mansion and gardens are nice for a pleasant ramble – even without the museum, but the whole thing is worth a couple of hours for anyone who wants to learn about the making of modern China.
There is a modest admission fee (RMB 20, if I recall).
There is more about it here:english.cri.cn/08showbiz/events/sql/index.htm
This really is a “must” for those with an interest in the history of modern China and a pleasant “should see” for others with a couple of hours to spare.
Soong Ch’ing-ling (Madame Sun Yet-sen) , one of the three famous Soong sisters – the others being Soong Ai-ling (wife of China’s richest man and finance minister K'ung Hsiang-his) and Soong Mei-ling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek). Soong Ch’ing-ling is often referred to as the “mother” of modern China. She was hugely influential and, for a time, was China’s “eyes and ears” around the world because she, almost alone, had trusted contacts and confidantes in influential positions in America,Asia and Europe and was, in turn, trusted by leaders and high officials around the world.
The mansion, proper, is about 80 years old. It was provided for her by Zhou Enlai, a great friend and trusted colleague and, sadly but necessary, sometimes protector.
There is a brand new (2009) museum which provides a fascinating look at the transition of China from about 1900 until her death in 1981. It is, largely, based on photographs but these, in themselves, provide a good overview of 20th century China.
The mansion and gardens are nice for a pleasant ramble – even without the museum, but the whole thing is worth a couple of hours for anyone who wants to learn about the making of modern China.
There is a modest admission fee (RMB 20, if I recall).
There is more about it here:english.cri.cn/08showbiz/events/sql/index.htm
Written 8 September 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alienandbear
Daly City, California, United States153 contributions
Mar 2013 • Solo
Soong Ching Ling was a very influential woman in China and if you find yourself in the Hou Hai area you must come here.
The Song sisters were very infulential people during that time of the start of modern China. Ching Ling was married to Sun Yat sun. Her sister was married to Chiang Kai shek. Very powerful men.
The house before belonged to a wealthy official before it became the home of Song Ching ling. During Maos era she did a lot of things to help shape modern China.
There is a small museum in the inside which explains a step by step history of the place with English explanations.
The garden is a very beautiful place and you get to tour the house where she once lived.
Summary-
If you are interested in modern China and how it came to be you need to come here.
Bathrooms inside are clean
Nice Garden Nice small museum.
Statue of her is inside the museum
To the north of Hou Hai nearer to the drum tower.
The Song sisters were very infulential people during that time of the start of modern China. Ching Ling was married to Sun Yat sun. Her sister was married to Chiang Kai shek. Very powerful men.
The house before belonged to a wealthy official before it became the home of Song Ching ling. During Maos era she did a lot of things to help shape modern China.
There is a small museum in the inside which explains a step by step history of the place with English explanations.
The garden is a very beautiful place and you get to tour the house where she once lived.
Summary-
If you are interested in modern China and how it came to be you need to come here.
Bathrooms inside are clean
Nice Garden Nice small museum.
Statue of her is inside the museum
To the north of Hou Hai nearer to the drum tower.
Written 10 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnieAndHamish
Melbourne, Australia10,727 contributions
Feb 2011 • Couples
I guess you could call Song Qingling's Former Residence an interesting hidden treasure - especially if you enjoy Chinese history. There were 3 Song ( pronounced Soong) sisters and they all married powerful men. One sister loved Power, one Money and one her Country. Qingling loved China & was married to Sun Yat-sen.
If you have the time and are visiting the Houhai Lake area you will find her former home near to the top northern end of the lake. As well as memorabilia inside her former home, a drawcard for me are the gardens. Lovely to walk around and a favorite of brides getting photos done. If you need somewhere to eat, also nearby is the famous Jiumen Xiaochi Restaurant. It's specialties are the small Beijing snacks, dumplings etc.
If you have the time and are visiting the Houhai Lake area you will find her former home near to the top northern end of the lake. As well as memorabilia inside her former home, a drawcard for me are the gardens. Lovely to walk around and a favorite of brides getting photos done. If you need somewhere to eat, also nearby is the famous Jiumen Xiaochi Restaurant. It's specialties are the small Beijing snacks, dumplings etc.
Written 27 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gonfnom
Nottingham, UK75 contributions
if not for Soong Ching Ling residence, then it's for the many interesting sights in Houhai park! We went on a Sunday, when many locals are spending the lazy morning in the park.
The residence, located alongside the Houhai lake, admittedly, although is a pretty place, pales in comparison to the many grand former residences in China. What captures our attention is the exhibition on Soong Ching Ling's and Sun Yat Sen's lives, which are captured in pictures and described in details. With thorough descriptions in English, the visit was truly educational as we are not merely looking at the pictures (which is the case for some attractions in China with no/ brief English descriptions) but gained a deep insights into the life of this extraordinary lady.
Would recommend this place for those who are curious to learn more about Soong Chi Ling and to have a glimpse of how she lived in the last 20 years of her life.
The residence, located alongside the Houhai lake, admittedly, although is a pretty place, pales in comparison to the many grand former residences in China. What captures our attention is the exhibition on Soong Ching Ling's and Sun Yat Sen's lives, which are captured in pictures and described in details. With thorough descriptions in English, the visit was truly educational as we are not merely looking at the pictures (which is the case for some attractions in China with no/ brief English descriptions) but gained a deep insights into the life of this extraordinary lady.
Would recommend this place for those who are curious to learn more about Soong Chi Ling and to have a glimpse of how she lived in the last 20 years of her life.
Written 13 December 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick S
Zurich, Switzerland20 contributions
The three daughters of the Soong family were married to Chiang Kai Shek and Sun Yat Sen, and to a super rich banker who was a pre-war finance minister of China.
Their three brothers were some of the richest pre-war industrialists.
Their father had been a shipwrecked South China fisherman boy, salvaged by a New England whaler, trained as a missionary in New England, and was sent to mission and proselytize among the lost souls of Shanghai.
When he had no bibles in Chinese, he translated and printed them himself.
Only to find out that the publishing business was much more lucrative than the lord's mission.
Very soon he became the richest man in China, his children went to Harvard, and married the most influential people of the time.
His daughter Soong Ching Ling married Sun Yat Sen, the socialist and pacifist founding president of the People's Republic of China.
The museum is a fabulous recollection of the time. The stately mansion is set in a wonderful garden park next to a lake in the middle of the city of Beijing, just north of the forbidden city and Tiananmen Square.
In the museum, You will see early connections between Communist China and the USA which you would have never expected.
A fantastic book to read in preparation is the 'Soong Dynasty' family history by Sterling Seagrave.
Once again, history here is shown to be more impressive and unexpected than fiction.
The museum is very well-kept, as Mrs. Sun Yat Sen was a very respected member of the Communist Party and the honorary vice chairman of the PRC for life.
Many young couples visit the gardens of the museum to take their wedding pictures.
Their three brothers were some of the richest pre-war industrialists.
Their father had been a shipwrecked South China fisherman boy, salvaged by a New England whaler, trained as a missionary in New England, and was sent to mission and proselytize among the lost souls of Shanghai.
When he had no bibles in Chinese, he translated and printed them himself.
Only to find out that the publishing business was much more lucrative than the lord's mission.
Very soon he became the richest man in China, his children went to Harvard, and married the most influential people of the time.
His daughter Soong Ching Ling married Sun Yat Sen, the socialist and pacifist founding president of the People's Republic of China.
The museum is a fabulous recollection of the time. The stately mansion is set in a wonderful garden park next to a lake in the middle of the city of Beijing, just north of the forbidden city and Tiananmen Square.
In the museum, You will see early connections between Communist China and the USA which you would have never expected.
A fantastic book to read in preparation is the 'Soong Dynasty' family history by Sterling Seagrave.
Once again, history here is shown to be more impressive and unexpected than fiction.
The museum is very well-kept, as Mrs. Sun Yat Sen was a very respected member of the Communist Party and the honorary vice chairman of the PRC for life.
Many young couples visit the gardens of the museum to take their wedding pictures.
Written 17 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geordiegirl_8
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK288 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Definitely visit if you are interested in the history of China in the 20th century. What a fascinating woman, Very well laid out and highly informative exhibition with lots of exhibits and very clear explanations (In English). The grounds are peaceful and well laid out and the house gives a flavour of her character. Hardly any visitors. Very uncommercial. I wasn't aware of the 'three sisters' , but her life encapsulates communist and feminist beliefs and someone who was very value driven.
Written 30 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelin'CalGal
Pleasanton, CA195 contributions
May 2013 • Family
After living in Beijing for a year, I was totally skeptical about other reviews which stated this has "lots of detailed information." Usually that means all in Chinese with very bad English translations. However, this site has a great museum hall with so many photos and interesting artifacts that give a great sense of the past century of Chinese history. It helps if you already have a sense of the big picture, as it is the details that are shown here that are interesting. Her house, preserved as she used in in the 1970s, is also a great depiction of "high style" of that time--exactly as my husband remembers it.
Written 25 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wlysolo
Johor Bahru, Malaysia661 contributions
Dec 2012 • Solo
-This is previous emperor 's residential, and is located at Hou-Hai Park, with very details information about Soong Ching ling life and also Sun-Yat Sun, and the sisters.Entrance fees 20RMB, not a big compound compare with others but the display are in details explanation.
-Suggest that visit also Zhong Shan Park , at left hand side of Forbidden City(Entrance fees 3RMB, plus 2RMB), where Sun Yat Sun history in details there, than it is consider complete, to understand the whole history of China Revolution in early 1900.
-Suggest that visit also Zhong Shan Park , at left hand side of Forbidden City(Entrance fees 3RMB, plus 2RMB), where Sun Yat Sun history in details there, than it is consider complete, to understand the whole history of China Revolution in early 1900.
Written 26 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dragonscreen
Beijing45 contributions
Well preserved Edwardian home of Rosamond Soong, one of the famous Soong sisters revered as the wife of Sun Yat Sen, who became China's first Republican president after the 1911 Revolution. It is said that of the three sisters one loved power, one loved money and one, Rosamond, loved China. If you stroll along the beautiful Shishahai Lake you can't miss it. Has a book store with copies of old pictures and other stuff. Certainly worth a visit.
Written 27 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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