The Former Residence of Song Qingling, once the mansion of Mingzhu, a grand scholar during the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era, is where Ms. Song Qingling lived for nearly two decades. Visitors can gain insights into her life by viewing her personal belongings and correspondence on display. Wandering through the quaint and elegant garden courtyards, photography is highly recommended.
The residence, with a modest size of approximately 150 meters in both length and width, is easily navigable on foot after entering the courtyard. It is surrounded by water from Houhai, with two significant bodies of water, Hou Nanhu and Hou Hu, within the compound. The main structures are situated at the heart of the waterways, akin to an island. The architecture here is classic and graceful. Between the lake and the buildings, there are various trees, including century-old crabapples and phoenix tree locusts, adding to the beauty of the place. Strolling amidst the trees and waters within the courtyard offers a tranquil and serene experience, making it an excellent spot for photography. Two thematic exhibitions are currently housed within the residence. One is the Song Qingling Life Exhibition, displaying her living and working conditions as they were when she was alive, located within the structures on the lake’s island. The other is the Song Qingling Life Exhibition, located on the west side, not part of the island. It showcases over 20,000 artifacts and textual materials to present the life of Ms. Song Qingling, allowing visitors to see her at different stages of her life. There are often volunteers offering free guided tours, which are worth attending if encountered. Opening Hours: 01/01-10/12 Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:00; 10/14 Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:00; 10/16-12/31 Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:00; 01/01-10/12 Monday Closed; 10/14 Monday Closed; 10/16-12/31 Monday Closed; New Year’s Day, Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day 09:00-17:00; 10/13 Closed; 10/15 Closed. Preferential Policies: Minors: Under 18 years old (group visits require advance reservation), free; Military personnel: Active military personnel on August 1st Army Day with valid identification, free; Disabled: Disabled individuals with valid identification, free; Elderly: Over 65 years old with valid identification, free; 60 to 65 years old, half price; Teachers: Teachers on Teacher’s Day with valid identification, free; Students: Full-time college students (excluding postgraduates, international students, and adult education) with relevant identification, half price. Additional Information: All individuals eligible for preferential policies must bring their valid identification to the ticket window at the scenic spot for verification before entering the park after security inspection.The information provided above is for reference only. Please refer to the information disclosed by the scenic area on the day of your visit.
